The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 3.1% in March-May to 3.2% in April-June, the Census & Statistics Department announced today. The underemployment rate remained unchanged at 1.5%.
An increase in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) was seen in the cleaning and similar activities sector. As to the underemployment rate, an increase was seen in the decoration, repair and maintenance for buildings sector while decreases were seen in the foundation and superstructure works of the construction, and the food and beverage service activities sector.
Total employment increased by about 4,800 to 3,748,600 in April-June. The labour force also expanded by about 10,100 to 3,874,800. There were 126,200 unemployed people and 58,000 underemployed people.
Secretary for Labour & Welfare Matthew Cheung said the labour market’s tightness persisted in April-June, with the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edging up by 0.1 of a percentage point to 3.2%.
He indicated the overall unemployment rate has stayed at a relatively low level. But he expected the recent deceleration in the local consumption market and the increased supply from the new batch of fresh graduates and school leavers may progressively pose some pressure on the labour market.
He added the department will hold large-scale job fairs in various districts.
