The unemployment rate rose to 6.4% from July to September, and the unemployed army approaches 260,000

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Written by: Yuan Shu Huang Yongyu

2020-10-20 16:36

Last update date: 2020-10-20 16:50

The third wave of the new crown pneumonia epidemic seems to be easing. During the rapid increase in the number of cases in Hong Kong, the government has repeatedly tightened anti-epidemic measures, including banning food in the evening market and restricting gatherings for two people, which once again affected many industries.

The government announced the latest unemployment rate today (20th). The unemployment rate from July to September rose from 6.1% to 6.4%, which is close to a 16-year high.

The underemployment rate remained unchanged during the two periods at 3.8%.

In addition, the number of unemployed (not seasonally adjusted) rose from 248,000 from June to August to 259,000 from July to September, an increase of approximately 11,500.

According to the latest labor force statistics released by the Census and Statistics Department today, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate from July to September rose to 6.4%, an increase from the previous period’s figure of 6.1%, while the underemployment rate during the two periods Remain unchanged at 3.8%.

Insufficient employment rate rises to concentrate on catering services, arts, entertainment and recreational activities

Compared with June to August, from July to September, the unemployment rate of most major economic industries increased, among which retail, accommodation and catering services, and the arts, entertainment and recreational activities industry saw relatively significant increases .

As for the underemployment rate, the decline was mainly seen in the transportation and education industries, while the increase was mainly seen in the catering service activities and arts, entertainment and recreational activities.

The total number of employed persons dropped from 3.64 million in the previous period to 3.624 million from July to September, a decrease of approximately 15,600.

The total labor force during the same period also fell from 3.888 million to 3.884 million, a decrease of approximately 4,200.

The number of unemployed rose from 248,000 to 259,000, an increase of approximately 11,500.

As for the number of underemployed persons, the figure in the previous period was 149,000, which is roughly the same as the figure in this period.

Luo Zhiguang: Unemployment rate is close to 16-year high

Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, Secretary for Labor and Welfare Law Chi-kwong said that under the third wave of local epidemics, especially in July and August, the labor market deteriorated in the third quarter of 2020. However, due to the local epidemic at 9 The month has subsided, and the pressure on the labor market has stabilized at the end of the season.

At the same time, the "Ensure Employment" program continues to provide support.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate from July to September 2020 increased by 0.3 percentage points from June to August to 6.4%, which was a high in nearly 16 years, while the underemployment rate remained at 3.8%.

The year-on-year decline in total employment expanded to 5.8%, and the year-on-year decline in the labor force remained at 2.1%.

He pointed out that by industry analysis, the unemployment rate combined with consumer and tourism-related industries (ie, retail, accommodation and catering services) surged by 0.8 percentage points from the previous period to 11.7%, the highest level after the severe blow to SARS. , The underemployment rate rose by 0.4 percentage points to 6.3%.

Among them, the unemployment rate and underemployment rate of the catering service activity industry soared to 15.2% and 9.5% respectively.

The unemployment rate and underemployment rate in the construction industry are still high, at 10.9% and 8.3% respectively.

At the same time, unemployment in many other industries has deteriorated, especially in the arts, entertainment and recreational activities.

The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Law Chi Kwong.

(Photo by Lu Yiming)

Luo Zhiguang: The labor market will still face pressure in the short term

Looking ahead, Luo Zhiguang said that as the overall economic situation is still weak and the global epidemic is still changing, the labor market will still face pressure in the short term.

The government has launched the largest relief measures in history, including a series of measures to protect employment and create jobs to help protect employees' employment.

The government will continue to monitor the situation closely.

He pointed out that the Labour Department will hold the "Wan Chai Job Fair" at Southorn Indoor Stadium on October 28 and 29. More than 40 employers will participate.

With the slowdown of the epidemic, the Labour Department has gradually resumed organizing regional job fairs at the job centres of the Labour Department and organizing recruitment activities at industry recruitment centres since early September.

At the same time, the Labour Department will continue to receive and release information on job vacancies from different industries. These vacancies are suitable for job seekers with different academic qualifications and work experience.

Job seekers can use the Labour Department's online platforms (such as the "Interactive Employment Service" website) to obtain employment information.

▼Reopening of premises and relaxation measures starting on October 2▼

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