Hong Kong’s jobless rate falls to 4.5 percent

Hong Kong’s unemployment rate dropped from 4.7 percent to 4.5 percent in the July-to-September period, the lowest since the Covid-19 pandemic began last year.

The underemployment rate, meanwhile, edged down slightly to 2.1 percent.

The Census and Statistics Department said improvements were especially seen in the building, professional and business services, and arts, entertainment and recreation sectors.

Secretary for Labour and Welfare Law Chi-kwong said that despite the improvements in the labour market, the government must still monitor the situation due to uncertainties brought by the pandemic.

“The labour market conditions would depend on the pace of the economic recovery. The Consumption Voucher Scheme should continue to render support to consumption-related activities in the near term,” he said.

“Yet, the global pandemic development remains a key source of uncertainty over the economic and labour market outlook.”