
The Census and Statistics Department of Hong Kong announced today (March 18) that the city's latest unemployment rate has edged up to 3.2%, a 0.1% increase, while the underemployment rate remains unchanged at 1.1%.
According to the department, the seasonally unadjusted number of unemployed individuals increased from 110,100 during the period of November 2024 to January 2025 to 111,700 between December 2024 and February 2025, marking a rise of approximately 1,600 people.
During the same period, the number of underemployed individuals dropped from 43,000 to 40,700, reflecting a decrease of about 2,300 people.
In terms of total employment, the number fell from 3,716,600 in November 2024 to January 2025 to 3,709,500 in December 2024 to February 2025, a reduction of around 7,100.
The total labor force is 3,826,700, a drop of approximately 5,400 people.
Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun commented that unemployment rates across different industries varied during the December 2024 to February 2025 period compared to the preceding three months. However, most industries remain at relatively low levels of unemployment.
Looking ahead, he expects the labor market to stay broadly stable in the short term as the economy continues to expand, though some businesses may face challenges due to uncertainties caused by US trade protection measures.
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