According to the latest labour force statistics (i.e. provisional figures for April – June 2022) released today (July 19) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 5.1% in March – May 2022 to 4.7% in April – June 2022. The underemployment rate also decreased from 3.5% in March – May 2022 to 3.0% in April – June 2022.
Comparing April – June 2022 with March – May 2022, both the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) and underemployment rate decreased across almost all major economic sectors, with more distinct decreases observed in the construction sector; retail, accommodation and food services sector; and arts, entertainment and recreation sector.
Total employment increased by around 17 800 from 3 553 800 in March – May 2022 to 3 571 600 in April – June 2022. Over the same period, the labour force also increased by around 5 000 from 3 745 200 to 3 750 200.
The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) decreased by around 12 800 from 191 400 in March – May 2022 to 178 600 in April – June 2022. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons also decreased by around 18 800 from 130 400 to 111 600.
Commentary
Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun said, "The labour market improved in April – June 2022 amid the moderating local epidemic situation in general and the gradual relaxation of social distancing measures. The Consumption Voucher Scheme and the 2022 Employment Support Scheme have also helped. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell by 0.4 percentage point from 5.1% in March – May 2022 to 4.7% in April – June 2022. The underemployment rate also declined by 0.5 percentage point to 3.0%. Total employment turned to an increase of 17 800 to 3 571 600. The number of unemployed persons fell further by 12 800 to 178 600."
Analysed by sector, the unemployment rate of the consumption- and tourism-related sectors (viz. retail, accommodation and food services sectors) combined fell visibly by 1.4 percentage points from the preceding three-month period to 7.4% in April – June 2022. Among these sectors, the unemployment rate for food and beverage service activities fell sharply by 2.4 percentage points to 8.6%, and that of the retail sector declined by 0.8 percentage point to 6.6%. The unemployment rates of many other sectors also declined, more notably the construction sector; and the arts, entertainment and recreation sector.
Looking ahead, Mr Sun said, "As domestic economic activities continue to revive, the labour market is likely to improve further in the near term, but the extent of improvement would depend on the local epidemic situation as well as the global and local financial conditions. The various measures rolled out by the Government would continue to provide support for the recovery of the local economy. I call upon the community to continue to work together with the Government to keep the epidemic under control."
On large-scale job fairs, the Labour Department (LD) will organise the Creating New Opportunities Job Fair at the Southorn Stadium on August 4 and 5, 2022. Over 40 employers will participate, offering lots of vacancies from various industries. In April – June 2022, LD recorded a monthly average of 90 621 vacancies from the private sector, representing a year-on-year increase of 10.0%, and an increase of 19.8% over the average figure in March – May 2022. Job-seekers may make use of the LD's online platforms such as the Interactive Employment Service website for obtaining such vacancy information.
Further information
The unemployment and underemployment statistics were compiled from the findings of the continuous General Household Survey.
In the survey, the definitions used in measuring unemployment and underemployment follow closely those recommended by the International Labour Organization. The employed population covers all employers, self-employed persons, employees (including full-time, part-time, casual workers, etc) and unpaid family workers. Unemployed persons by industry (or occupation) are classified according to their previous industry (or occupation).
The survey for April – June 2022 covered a sample of some 25 000 households or 69 000 persons, selected in accordance with a scientifically designed sampling scheme to represent the population of Hong Kong. Labour force statistics compiled from this sample represented the situation in the moving three-month period of April to June 2022.
Data on labour force characteristics were obtained from the survey by interviewing each member aged 15 or over in the sampled households.
Statistical tables on the latest labour force statistics can be downloaded at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=D5250021&scode=200). More detailed analysis of the labour force characteristics is given in the "Quarterly Report on General Household Survey" which is published four times a year. The latest issue of the publication contains statistics for the quarter January – March 2022 while the next issue covering the quarter April – June 2022 will be available by end August 2022. Users can also download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1050001&scode=200).
For enquiries about labour force statistics, please contact the General Household Survey Section (3) of the C&SD (Tel: 2887 5508 or email: ghs@censtatd.gov.hk).
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