HK's unemployment rate edges up to 3.9pc
Hong Kong's jobless rate increased slightly to 3.9 percent between July and September, but the government expressed optimism that economic expansion and rising visitor arrivals would support local employment. Figures released by the Census and Statistics Department on Thursday showed the unemployment rate edged up by 0.1 percentage point from the June-to-August period. The underemployment rate also increased slightly by 0.1 percentage point to 2 percent. The government said the social work activities sector, as well as warehousing and support activities for the transportation sector, saw more distinct increases in the jobless rate. As for underemployment, rises were mainly reported in the food and beverage and retail sectors. "The sustained expansion of the local economy, improving business sentiment and continued growth in visitor arrivals are expected to underpin the overall employment situation, particularly in the consumption- and tourism-related sectors," Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun said. He said the government would continue to monitor the potential impact of external uncertainties and offer support to job seekers. Edited by Raymond Yeung
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