The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 3.5% in the April to June period to 3.7% in May to July, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

The underemployment rate remained at 1.4%.

Total employment was 3,671,300, up 14,000 from April to June, while the labour force also increased by 22,700 to 3,816,200.

Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun noted that the uptick in the number of unemployed people was partly attributable to the influx of fresh graduates and school leavers entering the labour market.

Looking ahead, Mr Sun said the sustained growth of the Hong Kong economy should be able to drive job creation, creating more employment opportunities for fresh graduates and school leavers.

“While unemployment rates across various industries will continue to hinge on their respective business conditions, the Government's various measures to promote economic growth, bolster consumption sentiment and attract investment are anticipated to support the overall labour demand,” he added.