Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 6.8% in the three-month period ended March 2021, when compared to 4.2% during 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 7.2% in December 2020 to February 2021 to 6.8% in January to March 2021. 

The underemployment rate also decreased from 4.0% in December 2020 to February 2021 period to 3.8% in January - March 2021. When compared to the prior year, the underemployment rate jumped from 2.1%.

Comparing January - March 2021 with December 2020 - February 2021, the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in many major economic sectors, with more distinct decreases observed in the retail, accommodation and food services sector; and human health activities sector. As to the underemployment rate, decreases were mainly seen in the decoration, repair and maintenance for buildings sector; food and beverage service activities sector; and arts, entertainment and recreation sector.

Total employment increased from 3.610 million in December 2020 to February 2021 to 3.614 in January - March 2021. Over the same period, the labour force also increased from 3.871 million to 3.873 million.

Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Law Chi-kwong, said, "The labour market was under notable pressure in the first quarter of 2021, but the situation stabilised in the latter part of the quarter as the fourth wave of the local epidemic receded.”

Chi-kwong said, “"As the pace of recovery is uneven across sectors and inbound tourism remains in the doldrums, the labour market may still face challenges in the near term. Nevertheless, if the local epidemic situation continues to be contained, the operating environment for consumer-facing economic sectors may improve and this should help ease the pressure on the labour market. The government will continue to monitor the situation closely."