Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate soared from 3.4% during the three-month period from November 2019 to January 2020 to 7.0% in the period from November 2020 to January 2021, according to the latest labour force statistics published by the Census and Statistics Department.

The underemployment rate jumped to 3.8% in the period ended January 2021 from 1.2% during the prior year period.

When compared to the previous period, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 6.6% in October December 2020 to 7.0% in November 2020 - January 2021.

The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) increased from 245,800 in October - December 2020 to 253,300 in November 2020 - January 2021. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons also increased by around 14,400 from 133,800 to 148, 200.

The number of unemployed persons during the prior year period stood at 122,300 compared to the 253,300 figure in the period ended January 2021.

Total employment decreased by around 17,100 from 3.64 million in the October to December 2020 period to 3.63 million in November 2020 - January 2021. Over the same period, the labour force also decreased by around 9,400 from 3.89 million to 3.88 million.

Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong said, "The labour market was under notable pressure in November 2020 - January 2021 due to the fourth wave of local epidemic.

Looking ahead, Law said, "Although the fourth wave of local epidemic has shown signs of easing lately, the labour market will remain under pressure in the near term as it will take time for economic activities to return to normal. Keeping the epidemic under control the soonest possible with the concerted efforts of the whole community is of pivotal importance to economic recovery and improvement of the labour market. The government will continue to monitor the situation closely."