The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Hong Kong stood at 4.1% in the period from June - August 2022, down from 4.7% during the same period a year ago, according to the latest labour force statistics published by the Census and Statistics Department.

On a quarterly basis, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 4.3% in May - July 2022 to 4.1% in June - August 2022.

By sector, the unemployment rate of the consumption- and tourism-related sectors combined fell by 0.3% from the preceding three-month period to 6.2% in June - August 2022. Among these sectors, the unemployment rate for food and beverage service activities and that of the retail sector both fell by 0.3%, to 6.7% and 6.0% respectively. The unemployment rates of most other sectors also declined, more notably the decoration, repair and maintenance for buildings sector; and the arts, entertainment and recreation sector.

The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) decreased by approximately 6,300 from 168,200 in May - July 2022 to 161,900 in June - August 2022.

Total employment increased by approximately 16,200 from 3.59 million in May - July 2022 to 3.60 in June - August 2022. Over the same period, the labour force also increased by around 9,900 from 3.76 million to 3.77 million.

Further labour market data showed that the total number of vacancies in the private sector was 62,500, representing an increase of 38% or 17,060 over the preceding year.

Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Chris Sun said, “The labour market continued to improve alongside the revival of domestic economic activities, partly supported by the Phase II Consumption Voucher Scheme.”

Looking ahead, Sun said, "The labour market should improve further in the near term with the extent of improvement largely depending on the performance of domestic economic activities. The Consumption Voucher Scheme (any related news articles we have published please link) should continue to support local consumption demand, yet the recent tightened financial conditions may pose some constraints. Moreover, the development of the local epidemic (Covid-19 pandemic) may also have bearings on economic activities and thus the labour market. It is therefore crucial for the community to continue to work in unison with the government to bring the epidemic under control."