Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 6.0% in the three-month period ended May 2021, when compared to 5.9% in May 2020 during the early period of the pandemic, according to the latest labour force statistics published by the Census and Statistics Department.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was also down from the 6.4% rate seen in the period from February to April 2021. The underemployment rate also decreased from 3.3% in February - April 2021 to 2.8% in March - May 2021.

Comparing March - May 2021 with February - April 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.

The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) decreased by around 14,200 from 247,500 in February - April 2021 to 233,300 in March - May 2021. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons also decreased to 107,400.

Total employment increased from 3.62 million in February - April 2021 to 3.63 million in March - May 2021. Over the same period, the labour force decreased by approximately 5,800.

Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Law Chi-kwong said, "The labour market improved further in March - May 2021 amid the economic recovery and receding local epidemic.”

Looking ahead, Chi-kwong said, "As the economy continues to recover, the pressure on the labour market should gradually ease, especially if the local epidemic remains well contained. Yet, the evolving global pandemic situation remains a key source of uncertainty. As the pace of economic recovery is uneven across sectors, the unemployment rates in some sectors may take a longer time to return to the pre-pandemic levels.”

“To create favourable conditions for a full-fledged revival in the economy and hence a broad-based recovery in the labour market, it is essential for the community as a whole to work together to keep the epidemic under control and actively participate in the Covid-19 Vaccination Programme. The government will continue to monitor the situation closely,” Chi-kwong added.