The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 3.7% in June to August to 3.9% in July to September, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

The underemployment rate remained at 1.6%.

Total employment was 3,674,500, down 6,100 from June to August, while the labour force also decreased by around 1,500 to 3,830,100.

While noting the continued expansion of the Hong Kong economy is expected to support job growth, Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun said the employment situation in some sectors would continue to face challenges during economic restructuring, adding that the increasing external uncertainties could weigh on corporate hiring sentiment.

“The Government will continue to closely monitor the labour market situation and facilitate job-seeking through enhancing dissemination of employment information.”