Jobless rate unchanged at 2.9% in June-August

This translates to 120,000 unemployed individuals.

Hong Kong’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 2.9% in June-August 2019 compared to May - July 2019, according to the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD).

The underemployment rate also remained unchanged at 1% in the two periods.

Also read: Jobless rate up to 2.9% in May to July 2019

Total employment decreased by around 3,600 to 3.863 million in June-August 2019 from 3.867 million in May-July. Over the same period, the labour force also decreased by around 1,500 from 3.98 million to 3.94 million.

On the other hand, the number of unemployed persons increased by around 2,100 from 118,500 in May-July to 120,600 in June-August; whilst the number of underemployed persons in June-August was around 41 000, marginally higher than the 40,700 recorded in May - July.

The construction sector recorded a relatively notable decrease in unemployment, whilst an increase was mainly seen in the food and beverage service activities sector.

Although the unemployment and underemployment rates held steady during the period measured, total employment was slightly lower than the level a year ago, according to Dr. Law Chi-kwong, Secretary for Labour and Welfare.

“Analysed by major sector, the unemployment rate of the retail, accommodation and food services sectors taken together increased further over the preceding three-month period, amidst weak local consumption and plunging visitor arrivals caused by the recent social incidents,” Law noted.

“The unemployment rate of the construction sector went down from the preceding three-month period, but the employment of the sector continued to show a YoY decline due to subdued construction activities,” he added.

Meanwhile, movements in the underemployment rates in different industry sectors also varied, but were generally small in magnitude, said C&SD.