The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 3.5% in the April to June period, the same as that in March to May, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

The underemployment rate remained at 1.4%.

Total employment was 3,657,300, down 7,400 from March to May, while the labour force also dropped 7,000 to 3,793,500.

The number of unemployed people in April to June was 136,200, about the same as that in March to May. Meanwhile, the number of underemployed people decreased 1,000 to 52,600.

Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun said various industries in Hong Kong are undergoing transition and their respective unemployment rates have different trends.

Looking ahead, Mr Sun explained that the trend of unemployment rate will hinge on the overall economic performance, and he elucidated that the entry of fresh graduates and school leavers during the summer may impact the overall employment situation.

“Nevertheless, the continued expansion of the Hong Kong economy should provide support to the labour market,” he added.