The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 3.3% in June-August, matching the May-July figure, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.
The underemployment rate dropped from 1.5% in May-July to 1.4% in June-August.
Comparing June-August with May-July, an increase in the unemployment rate was observed in education sector, while a decrease was seen in foundation and superstructure works of the construction sector.
Total employment increased by 18,900 to 3.79 million in June-August. The labour force also expanded by 22,000 to 3,926,400. There were 136,400 unemployed people and 54,600 underemployed people.
Secretary for Labour & Welfare Matthew Cheung said the unemployment rate levelled off after two months of slight increase. However, total employment and the labour force grew further.
The employment situation in the near term remains uncertain, and will hinge on the overall economic situation, including how the tourism and consumption-related sectors fare, he said.
The Government will monitor developments and the Labour Department will continue providing comprehensive employment support services to jobseekers, he added.
