The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped by 0.4 percentage points to 4.3% for the period between May and July compared to the period from April to June, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

The underemployment rate also decreased to 2.2% during the period.

Total employment rose by around 21,500 to 3,593,100 while the labour force increased by about 11,100 to 3,761,300.

There were 168,200 unemployed people from May to July, a drop of about 10,400 from the preceding three-month period. The number of underemployed people went down by around 27,300 to 84,300.

Almost all major economic sectors saw a decrease in the unemployment rate, with more distinct decreases observed in the decoration, repair and maintenance for buildings sector, retail, accommodation and food services sector, transportation sector and arts, entertainment and recreation sector.

Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun said the labour market improved further between May and July as domestic economic activities continued to revive, helped by the 2022 Employment Support Scheme.

Looking ahead, provided that the local epidemic situation remains under control, domestic economic activities are expected to revive further in the coming months with support from phase II of the Consumption Voucher Scheme.

Mr Sun said the labour market should continue to improve with the extent of improvement dependent on the pace of economic revival amid the tightened financial conditions, adding that the community should work together with the Government to keep the epidemic under control.