Unemployment rate down 3% in February - April

The underemployment rate was unchanged at 1.2%.

The seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate fell from 3.1% in January to March 2023 to 3% in February - April 2023, the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) figures showed.

The underemployment rate, meanwhile, was unchanged at 1.2% in the two periods.

Comparing February - April 2023 with January - March 2023, movements in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) in different industry sectors varied. Per sector, the notable unemployment decreases were seen in the decoration, repair, and maintenance for the buildings sector; transportation sector, and warehousing and support activities for the transportation sector.

Total employment grew by around 1,800 from 3,654,100 in January - March 2023 to 3,655,900 in February - April 2023. In the same period, the labour force also grew by around 1,100 from 3,769,200 to 3,770,300.

The number of unemployed people (not seasonally adjusted) declined by around 700 from 115,100 in January - March 2023 to 114,400 in February - April 2023. Over the same period, the number of underemployed people also fell by around 2,200 from 46,700 to 44,500.

Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun, said the revival of domestic economic activities and visitor arrivals contributed to the improvement of the labour market.

“Analysed by sector and compared with the preceding three-month period, the combined unemployment rate of the consumption- and tourism-related sectors (viz. retail, accommodation and food services sectors) remained unchanged at 4.2% in February - April 2023,” read the statement.