Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 5.4% in the three-month period ended April 2022, when compared to 6.4% during the same three-month period last year, 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 increased from 5.0% in January - March 2022 to 5.4% in February - April 2022.

The Department’s data noted that when comparing February - April 2022 with January - March 2022, almost all major economic sectors saw an increase in both the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted).

The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) increased from 188,500 in January - March 2022 to 206,100 in February - April 2022.

At the same time, total employment decreased by approximately 51,300 from 3.61 million in January - March 2022 to 3.55 million in February - April 2022. Over the same period, the labour force also decreased from 3.79 million to 3.76 million.

Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Law Chi-kwong said, "The labour market deteriorated further in February - April 2022, but the situation showed some stabilisation in the latter part of the period in tandem with the receding local epidemic and revival of local economic activities.”

Chi-kwong added, “The labour market should see improvement in the coming months. The receding local epidemic situation and progressive relaxation of social distancing measures, together with the new round of Consumption Voucher Scheme, should render support to business and thus employment of the consumption-related sectors.”

“Other relief measures rolled out by the government, including the 2022 Employment Support Scheme, would also help improve economic sentiment, support enterprises and keep workers in employment. It is essential for the community to work in unison to support the government to further stabilise the local epidemic situation. The government will continue to monitor the situation closely,” Chi-kwong said.