For the three months from February to April, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.4%, a rise of 0.2 percentage points compared to the figures for January to March, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

The underemployment rate also rose from 1.1% to 1.3% during the same period.

Total employment fell by around 15,600 to 3,677,100, while the labour force also dropped by around 9,000 to 3,806,500.

The number of unemployed people increased by around 6,600 to 129,400. Meanwhile, the number of underemployed people rose by around 4,900 to 47,600.

Looking ahead, Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun said that various industries in Hong Kong are undergoing a transitional period, adding that their unemployment rates may go upward or downward.

However, he outlined that the recent easing of trade tensions, continued growth in the economy and the Government’s various measures to boost momentum will provide support to the labour market.

Mr Sun said that although Hong Kong has experienced some recent shop closures, there have also been openings of many new shops, suggesting the emergence of new demand and new consumption trends. He also stressed that a significant increase in the number of inbound visitors will bring more opportunities to the labour market.