The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Hong Kong stood at 3.3% in the period from December– February 2022, down from 4.5% during the same period a year ago, according to the latest labour force statistics published by the Census and Statistics Department.

Compared to the previous three-month period, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 3.4% in November 2022 to January 2023 to 3.3% from December 2022 to February 2023. 

At the same time, the underemployment rate also decreased from 1.4% in November 2022 to January 2023 to 1.3% from December 2022 to February 2023.

Comparing December 2022 to February 2023 with November 2022 to January 2023, the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in many major economic sectors, with more distinct decreases observed in the retail; transportation; and arts, entertainment and recreation sectors.

The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) decreased by around 2,700, from 118,400 in November 2022 to January 2023 to 115,700 in December 2022 to February 2023.

Meanwhile, total employment decreased by around 12,000, from 3.66 million in November 2022 to January 2023 to 3.65 million in December 2022 to February 2023. Over the same period, the labour force decreased by around 14,600 from 3.78 million to 3.76 million.

Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Chris Sun, said, "The labour market conditions should improve further in the near term alongside the continued return of economic activities to normalcy and the rebound in inbound tourism."