Unemployment steady at 3.3%

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 3.3% in the November-January quarter, unchanged from October-December, the Census & Statistics Department said today.

The underemployment rate also remained unchanged at 1.4%.

A non-seasonally adjusted increase in the unemployment rate was mainly seen in the accommodation services sector, while a decrease was seen in the insurance sector.

Total employment increased by about 8,100 workers to 3,812,000 during the period, and the labour force expanded by about 6,300 to 3,931,800.

There were 119,800 unemployed people and 53,200 underemployed people.

Secretary for Labour & Welfare Matthew Cheung said the labour market remained broadly stable during the period, with both total employment and the labour force both registering slight year-on-year growth.

However, the near-term employment outlook remains clouded by a sluggish world economy and slackening inbound tourism, he said. The recent ease-back in growth momentum of local consumption also warrants particular concern.

The Government will stay vigilant and monitor the labour market situation closely, he added.

Updated on 23 Feb, 2016

Back to Articles Update