The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Hong Kong stood at 3.9% in the period from July - September 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.

On a quarterly basis, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 4.1% in June - August 2022 to 3.9% in July - September 2022.

Analysed by sector, the combined unemployment rate of the consumption- and tourism-related sectors (retail, accommodation and food services sectors) fell by 0.4% from the preceding three-month period to 5.8% in July - September 2022. Among these sectors, the unemployment rate for food and beverage service activities fell by 0.5% to 6.2%, and that of the retail sector declined by 0.3% to 5.7%. The unemployment rates of many other sectors also declined, particularly the decoration, repair and maintenance for buildings sector.

The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) decreased by around 6,600 from 161,900 in June to August 2022 to 155,300 in July to September 2022. 

Total employment increased by around 19,600 from 3.60 million in June - August 2022 to 3.62 in July - September 2022. Over the same period, the labour force also increased by around 13,000 from 3.77 million to 3.78 million.

Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Chris Sun, said, “The labour market improved further alongside the continued revival of domestic economic activities.”

Sun said, “"The labour market outlook will depend on the extent of further revival of domestic economic activities. While the generally stable local epidemic situation and the Consumption Voucher Scheme should continue to support domestic demand, the tightened financial conditions may partially offset the positive effects. It is important for the community to continue to work in unison with the government to contain the epidemic."