Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate improved to 5.0% in the period from January 2022 to March 2022, from 6.8% during the same period the year prior, according to the latest labour force statistics by the Census and Statistics Department.

When compared to the previous period from December to February 2021, the unemployment rate increased from 4.5%, a 0.5% rise.

Comparing January - March 2022 with December 2021 - February 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.

The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) increased by approximately 26,900 from 161,600 in the December 2021 - February 2022 period to 188,500 in January to March 2022.

Total employment decreased by approximately 54,000 from 3.66 million in December 2021 - February 2022 to 3.61 million in January - March 2022. Over the same period, the labour force also decreased by around 27,100 from 3.826 to 3.79 million

Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Law Chi-kwong, said, "The labour market was under severe pressure amid the fifth wave of local epidemic.”

Looking ahead, Chi-kwong said, "While the labour market will still be subject to pressure in the near term, with the easing local epidemic situation of late, together with the launch of a new round of consumption vouchers, the business of the consumption-related sectors should gradually improve and thus support employment in these sectors.”

“Besides, the government has been rolling out various relief measures, including the forthcoming 2022 Employment Support Scheme, to support enterprises and help keep workers in employment. It is 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."