Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.1% in the three-month period ended November 2021, when compared to 6.3% in the same period last year, according to the latest labour force statistics published by the Census and Statistics Department.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 4.3% in August to October 2021 to 4.1% in September to November 2021.

The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) decreased by around 13,800 from 171,800 in August to October 2021 to 158,000 in September to November 2021.

Analysed by sector, the unemployment rates of most economic sectors fell in September to November 2021 as compared with the preceding three-month period. In particular, the unemployment rate of the consumption- and tourism-related sectors combined fell by 0.6% to 6.3%.

The unemployment rate of the construction sector also declined visibly by 0.8% to 5.6%.

Total employment increased by around 6,800 to a total of 3.67 million in September to November 2021. Over the same period, the labour force also decreased by around 6,900 to 3.83 million.

The Department also noted that the total number of vacancies in the private sector was 54,560, representing an increase of 40% or 15,650 over the preceding year.

Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Law Chi-kwong said, “With the local epidemic situation remaining under control, the local economic and labour market conditions should continue to improve. To strengthen the foundation for a broad-based economic recovery, it is essential for the community to strive towards more widespread vaccination and abide by the anti-epidemic measures. The government will continue to monitor the situation closely."