The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Hong Kong stood at 3.7% in the period from September - November 2022, down from 4.1% during the same period a year ago, according to the latest labour force statistics published by the Census and Statistics Department.

At the same time, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 3.8% in August - October 2022 to 3.7% in September - November 2022. The underemployment rate also decreased from 1.7% in August - October 2022 to 1.6% in September - November 2022.

Comparing September - November 2022 with August - October 2022, the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) decreased across almost all the major economic sectors, with a more distinct decrease observed in the foundation and superstructure sector.

The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) decreased by around 8,500 from 147,400 in August - October 2022 to 138,900 in September - November 2022.

Total employment increased by around 8,400 from 3.64 million in August - October 2022 to 3.65 million in September - November 2022. The labour force in September - November 2022 was 3.79 million, about the same as that in August - October 2022 (3.79 million).

In September - November 2022, the Labour Department recorded a monthly average of 107,331 vacancies from the private sector, representing a year-on-year increase of 1.3% and a decrease of 2.5% over the average figure in August - October 2022. 

Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Chris Sun said, “"The near-term labour market outlook will depend on the pace of revival in domestic economic activities. The further relaxation of epidemic-related measures and the Consumption Voucher Scheme also help but tightened financial conditions will partly offset the positive effects. It remains vital for the community to work together with the government to continue to contain the epidemic."