Jobless rate rises to 3.9% as hiring slows

Construction and social work record higher unemployment in Q3.

Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 3.9% in July to September from 3.7% in the June-to-August period, according to the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD). 

The underemployment rate remained at 1.6%, indicating that overall working hours were unchanged.

Employers cut about 6,100 jobs, bringing total employment to 3.67 million, while the labour force slipped to 3.83 million.

Unemployment rose in construction and social work, reflecting slower activity in labour-intensive sectors. Food and beverage services stayed stable, while finance and healthcare added jobs on continued service demand.

Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun said the increase reflected “sectoral adjustments within the economy.”

C&SD said the unemployment rate remains above earlier levels this year and will depend on sectoral conditions and external demand in the coming months.