Unemployment remains at 2.9%

September 17, 2019

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 2.9% in the period between June and August, unchanged from the May-July period, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

 

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

 

Total employment dropped 3,600 to 3,863,700 and the labour force decreased 1,500 to 3,984,300.

 

The number of unemployed people increased 2,100 to 120,600 while the number of underemployed people remained at 41,000.

 

Secretary for Labour & Welfare Dr Law Chi-kwong said the unemployment rate of the retail, accommodation and food services sectors taken together increased further over the preceding three-month period amid weak local consumption and plunging visitor arrivals caused by the recent social incidents.

 

"As economic conditions have deteriorated further lately, the local labour market will unavoidably be subject to increasing pressure in the near term.”

 

The Government will monitor the labour market closely, he added.

Back to top