Unemployment rate steady at 2.8% in May-July

This translates to around 114,700 unemployed Hong Kongers.

Hong Kong was able to keep unemployment rates steady for the fourth consecutive time since January after clocking in at 2.8% in May-July, according to the Census and Statistics department.

This translates to around 114,700 unemployed persons as labour situations improved across the retail, information and communications, warehousing and transport support sectors.

Also read: F&B sector remains hardest hit by private sector vacancies in March

The labour market remained tight with total employment rising by 2,900 from 3.869 million in April-June to 3.872 million in May-July. The labour force also hit 3.98 million over the same period.

Underemployment rates inched up marginally from 1% in April-June to 1.1% in May-July. This translates to an increase of underemployed persons from 41,400 to 44,100.

"The labour market should remain tight in the near term riding on the solid growth momentum of the local economy,” secretary for labour and welfare Dr Law Chi-kwong said in a statement.

“Nevertheless, as external uncertainties have increased markedly of late, with possible repercussions for export outlook, local economic sentiment and asset markets, we will stay vigilant to their potential impact on the local labour market."