Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate jumped to 6.3% in the period from September - November 2020 period from 3.2% during the same period last year, according to the latest labour force statistics by the Census and Statistics Department.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased slightly from 6.4% in August to October 2020 to 6.3% in September to November 2020.

The underemployment rate also decreased from 3.8% in August - October 2020 to 3.4% in September to November 2020.

Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Law Chi-kwong said, “Labour market conditions remained weak in September - November 2020, though showing some marginal improvement amid the stabilisation of the third wave of local epidemic during the period.”

"Analysed by sector, the unemployment rate of the consumption- and tourism-related sectors (retail, accommodation and food services sectors) combined declined somewhat by 1.1% from August - October 2020 to 10.1% in September - November 2020,” Chi-kwong said. “Among these sectors, the unemployment rate for food and beverage service activities fell from 14.8% to 13.1%. The unemployment situation in many other sectors also improved, particularly in the education sector and the arts, entertainment and recreation sector."

The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) decreased by around 13,500 from 257,800 in August - October 2020 to 244,300 in September - November 2020. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons also decreased by around 14,900 from 148,000 to 133,100.

Total employment increased by around 22,400 from 3.62 million in August - October 2020 to 3.65 million in September - November 2020. Over the same period, the labour force also increased by around 8,900 from 3.88 million to 3.89 million.

Looking ahead, Chi-kwong said, "Given the fourth wave of local epidemic of late, the pressure on the labour market is likely to increase again in the near term. The Government will continue to monitor the situation closely, and roll out targeted measures to support the hard-hit sectors as and when necessary."