Joblessness in HK down 4.7% from April to June
The count of unemployed people went down by 12,800.
The unemployment rate declined by 0.4 percentage points to 4.7%, on a seasonally-adjusted basis, from April to June 2022 compared to the March to May 2022 period, Hong Kong data showed.
Figures from Census & Statistics Department (C&SD) indicated that the total count of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) declined by 12,800 from 191,400 in March to May 2022 from 178,600 in April to June 2022.
The underemployment rate dropped by 0.5 percentage points to 3% in April to June 2022. Total underemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) fell by 18,800 to 11,600 over the same period.
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“Comparing April - June 2022 with March - May 2022, both the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) and underemployment rate decreased across almost all major economic sectors, with more distinct decreases observed in the construction sector; retail, accommodation and food services sector; and arts, entertainment and recreation sector,” read the statement.
By sector, the unemployment rate in consumption and tourism-related industries combined went down by 1.4 percentage points from the previous three-month period to 7.4% in April to June 2022.
As for total employment, it increased by around 17,800 from 3,553,800 in March to May 2022 to 3,571,600 in April - June 2022.
Commenting on the unemployment data, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun attributed the improvement in the labour market to the mitigation of epidemic situations and the gradual relaxation of social distancing measures.
The Consumption Voucher Scheme and the 2022 Employment Support Scheme’ also addressed the unemployment issue.