Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 6.4% in the three-month period ended April 2021, when compared to 5.2% in April 2020 during the start of the pandemic, according to the latest labour force statistics published by the Census and Statistics Department.

When compared to the previous three-month period, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 6.8% in January to March 2021 to 6.4% in February to April 2021. The underemployment rate also decreased from 3.8% in January to March 2021 to 3.3% in February to April 2021.

Comparing February to April 2021 with January to March 2021, the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) decreased across almost all the major economic sectors, with more distinct decreases observed in the construction sector; and retail, accommodation and food services sector. As to the underemployment rate, decreases were mainly seen in the construction sector; retail, accommodation and food services sector; transportation sector; and arts, entertainment and recreation sector.

The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) decreased by around 12,300 from 259,800 in January to March 2021 to 247,500 in February to April 2021. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons also decreased by around 21,800 from 148,400 to 126,600.

At the same time, total employment increased by around 7,900 from 3.61 million in January to March 2021 to 3.62 million in February to April 2021. Over the same period, the labour force decreased by around 4,400 from 3.87 million to 3.86 million.

Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Law Chi-kwong said, "Considering that the business receipts of many labour-intensive sectors are still far below the pre-recession levels, the labour market will take time to attain a more visible recovery. Nonetheless, if the local epidemic remains well-contained, the pressure on the labour market will gradually ease in the period ahead.”