HK jobless rate unchanged at 3.3% in November - January

    Hong Kong's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 3.3% in November 2016 - January 2017, same as that in October - December 2016. The underemployment rate decreased from 1.4% in October - December 2016 to 1.3% in November 2016 - January 2017, according to the Census and Statistics Department.
    Comparing November 2016 - January 2017 with October - December 2016, decreases in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) were mainly seen in the food and beverage service activities sector and the repair, laundry, domestic and other personal service activities sector. As to the underemployment rate, a decrease was mainly seen in the foundation and superstructure works of the construction sector.
  On the short-term outlook, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Stephen Sui, said, "While the labour market will likely remain generally tight in the near term, the employment outlook still hinges on the play-out of various external uncertainties surrounding the local economy down the road. With the private sector enterprises normally reviewing their annual staffing position after the Lunar New Year, we will stay vigilant and monitor developments closely."