Unemployment and underemployment statistics for December 2021 - February 2022
17.3.2022

According to the latest labour force statistics (i.e. provisional figures for December 2021 - February 2022) released today (March 17) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 3.9% in November 2021 - January 2022 to 4.5% in December 2021 - February 2022. The underemployment rate also increased from 1.8% in November 2021 - January 2022 to 2.3% in December 2021 - February 2022. Comparing December 2021 - February 2022 with November 2021 - January 2022, almost all major economic sectors saw an increase in both the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) and underemployment rate. For the unemployment rate, more distinct increases were observed in the construction sector; retail, accommodation and food services sector; and arts, entertainment and recreation sector. As to the underemployment rate, increases were mainly seen in the retail, accommodation and food services sector; and arts, entertainment and recreation sector. Total employment decreased by around 33 700 from 3 676 500 in November 2021 - January 2022 to 3 642 800 in December 2021 - February 2022. Over the same period, the labour force also decreased by around 11 000 from 3 811 700 to 3 800 700. The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) increased by around 22 700 from 135 200 in November 2021 - January 2022 to 157 900 in December 2021 - February 2022. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons also increased by around 17 100 from 69 800 to 86 900. Commentary Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong said, "The labour market deteriorated sharply due to the fifth wave of local epidemic. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose notably by 0.6 percentage point from November 2021 - January 2022 to 4.5% in December 2021 - February 2022. The underemployment rate also increased by 0.5 percentage point to 2.3%. Meanwhile, total employment fell by 33 700 from the preceding three-month period to 3 642 800, and the number of unemployed persons increased by 22 700 to 157 900." Analysed by sector, the unemployment rate of the consumption- and tourism-related sectors (viz. retail, accommodation and food services sectors) combined increased notably by 1.4 percentage points over the preceding three-month period to 6.9% in December 2021 - February 2022. Among these sectors, the unemployment rate for food and beverage service activities surged by 1.9 percentage points to 8.1%. Meanwhile, the unemployment rates of the construction sector and the arts, entertainment and recreation sector increased sharply by 1.5 and 2.9 percentage points to 6.2% and 8.2% respectively. The unemployment situation in most other sectors also deteriorated. Looking ahead, Dr Law said, "The labour market will continue to face pressure in the near term, as the acute local epidemic is weighing heavily on consumption-related activities and causing disruptions to a wide range of economic activities. While the relief measures adopted by the Government should render some support, the labour market development going forward would hinge on how the local epidemic evolves. It is thus essential for the community to work in unison to support the Government to put the local epidemic under control as swiftly as possible. The Government will continue to monitor the situation closely." In December 2021 - February 2022, the Labour Department (LD) recorded a monthly average of 75 141 vacancies from the private sector, representing a year-on-year increase of 57.4% while a drop of 22.5% over the average figure in November 2021 - January 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 December 2021 - February 2022 covered a sample of some 25 000 households or 69 000 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 December 2021 to February 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 October - December 2021, while the next issue covering the quarter January - March 2022 will be available by end May 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 Household Statistics Analysis Section of the C&SD (Tel: 2887 5508 or email: ghs@censtatd.gov.hk ).