Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate improved to 2.8% in the period from May to July 2023, from 4.3% during the same period a year ago, according to the latest labour force statistics published by the Census and Statistics Department.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate also rate decreased from 2.9% in the April to June period.

The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) decreased by approximately 1,900 from 113,600 in April - June 2023 to 111,700 in May - July 2023.

Comparing May - July 2023 with April - June 2023, the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) decreased across most major economic sectors, with more distinct decreases observed in the food and beverage service activities sector, transportation sector, information and communications sector and real estate sector.  

Total employment increased by around 19,200 from 3.68 million in April - June 2023 to 3.70 million in May to July 2023. Over the same period, the labour force also increased by around 17,300 from 3.80 million to 3.81 million.

Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun, said the labour market continued to improve during the period.

“With the economic recovery, the labour market should improve further in the coming months,” Sun said.