According to the latest labour force statistics (i.e. provisional figures for March - May 2022) released today (June 17) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 5.4% in February - April 2022 to 5.1% in March - May 2022. The underemployment rate also decreased from 3.8% in February - April 2022 to 3.5% in March - May 2022.
 
     Comparing March - May 2022 with February - April 2022, almost all major economic sectors saw a decrease in both the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) and underemployment rate. For the unemployment rate, more distinct decreases were observed in the construction sector; retail, accommodation and food services sector; and arts, entertainment and recreation sector. As to the underemployment rate, decreases were mainly seen in the retail, accommodation and food services sector; and arts, entertainment and recreation sector.

     Total employment decreased by around 5 400 from 3 559 200 in February - April 2022 to 3 553 800 in March - May 2022. Over the same period, the labour force also decreased by around 20 100 from 3 765 300 to 3 745 200.

     The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) decreased by around 14 700 from 206 100 in February - April 2022 to 191 400 in March - May 2022. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons also decreased by around 11 600 from 142 000 to 130 400.

Commentary

     Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong said, "The unemployment and underemployment situation improved in March - May 2022 alongside the moderated local epidemic and the gradual relaxation of social distancing measures in the latter part of the period. The new round of Consumption Voucher Scheme and the 2022 Employment Support Scheme have also helped the employment market. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell by 0.3 percentage point from 5.4% in February - April 2022 to 5.1% in March - May 2022. The underemployment rate also declined by 0.3 percentage point to 3.5%. Meanwhile, total employment showed a much narrowed decline of 5 400 to 3 553 800. The number of unemployed persons fell by 14 700 to 191 400.

     "Analysed by sector, the unemployment rate of the consumption- and tourism-related sectors (viz. retail, accommodation and food services sectors) combined fell visibly by 1.2 percentage points from the preceding three-month period to 8.8% in March - May 2022. Among these sectors, the unemployment rate for food and beverage service activities fell sharply by 1.9 percentage points to 11.0%, and that of the retail sector declined by 0.9 percentage point to 7.4%. The unemployment rates of most other sectors also declined, more notably the construction sector; and the arts, entertainment and recreation sector.

     "Looking ahead, provided that the local epidemic remains under control, domestic economic activities and thus labour market conditions should continue to improve in the coming months. The various support measures rolled out by the Government will continue to help support enterprises and keep workers in employment. It is thus essential for the community to work in unison with the Government to keep the epidemic contained. The Government will continue to monitor the situation closely."

     On large-scale job fairs, the Labour Department (LD) will organise the Embracing New Opportunities Job Fair at the MacPherson Stadium on July 12 and 13, 2022. Nearly 50 employers will participate, offering lots of vacancies from various industries. In March - May 2022, LD recorded a monthly average of 75 663 vacancies from the private sector, representing a year-on-year decrease of 7.6% while an increase of 24.2% over the average figure in February - April 2022. Job-seekers may make use of the LD's online platforms such as the Interactive Employment Service website for obtaining such vacancy information.

Further information

     The unemployment and underemployment statistics were compiled from the findings of the continuous General Household Survey.

     In the survey, the definitions used in measuring unemployment and underemployment follow closely those recommended by the International Labour Organization. The employed population covers all employers, self-employed persons, employees (including full-time, part-time, casual workers, etc) and unpaid family workers. Unemployed persons by industry (or occupation) are classified according to their previous industry (or occupation).

     The survey for March - May 2022 covered a sample of some 26 000 households or 70 000 persons, selected in accordance with a scientifically designed sampling scheme to represent the population of Hong Kong. Labour force statistics compiled from this sample represented the situation in the moving three-month period of March to May 2022.

     Data on labour force characteristics were obtained from the survey by interviewing each member aged 15 or over in the sampled households.

     Statistical tables on the latest labour force statistics can be downloaded at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=D5250021&scode=200). More detailed analysis of the labour force characteristics is given in the "Quarterly Report on General Household Survey" which is published four times a year. The latest issue of the publication contains statistics for the quarter January - March 2022 while the next issue covering the quarter April - June 2022 will be available by end August 2022. Users can also download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1050001&scode=200).

     For enquiries about labour force statistics, please contact the General Household Survey Section (3) of the C&SD (Tel: 2887 5508 or email: ghs@censtatd.gov.hk). 

Ends/Friday, June 17, 2022
Issued at HKT 16:30

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