Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate jumped to 6.6% in the period from October - December 2020 period from 3.3% during the same period last year, according to the latest labour force statistics by the Census and Statistics Department.

The 6.6% jobless rate is the highest in 16 years.

When compared to the previous three-month period, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 6.3% in the September - November 2020 period to 6.6% in October - December 2020. The underemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.4% in the two periods.

Comparing the October - December 2020 period with September - November 2020, the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) increased across almost all the major economic sectors, with a more distinct increase observed in the retail, accommodation and food services sector. As to the underemployment rate, a decrease was mainly seen in the warehousing and support activities for transportation sector while an increase was mainly observed in the retail sector.

The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) increased by around 1,500 from 244,300 in September - November 2020 to 245,800 in October - December 2020. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons also increased by around 700 from 133,100 to 133,800.   

Total employment decreased by approximately 2, 400 from 3.65 million September - November 2020 to 3.64 million in October - December 2020. The labour force in October - December 2020 was 3.89 million, about the same as that in September - November 2020 (3.89 million).

Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Law Chi-kwong said the labour market deteriorated again due to the fourth wave of coronavirus in Hong Kong.

Looking ahead, Law said, "As the fourth wave of local epidemic continues to weigh on local consumption sentiment and disrupt economic activities, the labour market will remain under notable pressure in the near term. The government has rolled out targeted measures lately to provide further support to the hard-hit sectors, and will continue to monitor the situation closely."