Unemployment and Underemployment Statistics for July - September 2022
20.10.2022

According to the latest labour force statistics (i.e. provisional figures for July - September 2022) released today (October 20) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 4.1% in June - August 2022 to 3.9% in July - September 2022. The underemployment rate also decreased from 2.0% in June - August 2022 to 1.8% in July - September 2022. Comparing July - September 2022 with June - August 2022, many 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 decoration, repair and maintenance for buildings sector; and food and beverage service activities sector. As to the underemployment rate, decreases were mainly seen in the food and beverage service activities sector and education sector. Total employment increased by around 19 600 from 3 609 300 in June - August 2022 to 3 628 900 in July - September 2022. Over the same period, the labour force also increased by around 13 000 from 3 771 200 to 3 784 200. The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) decreased by around 6 600 from 161 900 in June - August 2022 to 155 300 in July - September 2022. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons also decreased by around 7 400 from 76 400 to 69 000. Commentary Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said, "The labour market improved further alongside the continued revival of domestic economic activities. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell by 0.2 percentage point from June - August 2022 to 3.9% in July - September 2022. The underemployment rate also declined by 0.2 percentage point to 1.8%. Total employment continued to increase by 19 600 to 3 628 900. The number of unemployed persons fell further by 6 600 to 155 300." Analysed by sector, the combined unemployment rate of the consumption- and tourism-related sectors (viz. retail, accommodation and food services sectors) fell by 0.4 percentage point from the preceding three-month period to 5.8% in July - September 2022. Among these sectors, the unemployment rate for food and beverage service activities fell by 0.5 percentage point to 6.2%, and that of the retail sector declined by 0.3 percentage point to 5.7%. The unemployment rates of many other sectors also declined, particularly the decoration, repair and maintenance for buildings sector. Looking ahead, Mr Sun said, "The labour market outlook will depend on the extent of further revival of domestic economic activities. While the generally stable local epidemic situation and the Consumption Voucher Scheme should continue to support domestic demand, the tightened financial conditions may partially offset the positive effects. It is important for the community to continue to work in unison with the Government to contain the epidemic." On large-scale job fairs, the Labour Department (LD) organises the Turning a New Page Job Fair at the MacPherson Stadium on October 20 and 21, 2022. Over 40 employers will participate, offering a large number of vacancies from various industries. In July - September 2022, LD recorded a monthly average of 110 497 vacancies from the private sector, representing a year-on-year increase of 7.5% and an increase of 0.3% over the average figure in June - August 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 July - September 2022 covered a sample of some 25 000 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 July to September 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 April - June 2022 while the next issue covering the quarter July - September 2022 will be available by end November 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).