Hong Kong’s social work, construction sectors hit as jobless rate rises to 3.9%

Hong Kong’s jobless rate rose to 3.9 per cent between July and September, with higher unemployment in social work and construction, authorities said.

Preliminary data released by the Census and Statistics Department on Monday showed the unemployment rate rose by 0.2 percentage points over the preceding three-month period.

This marks the highest rate since the three-month period between July and September 2022, when it was 4 per cent.

Unemployment in the food and beverage sector remained unchanged, while improvements were seen in the financing and health sectors, the department said.

The underemployment rate also remained unchanged at 1.6 per cent.

Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han said some sectors would continue to face challenges during the economic restructuring despite the overall job growth supported by the continued expansion of Hong Kong’s economy.

“The increasing external uncertainties could also weigh on corporate hiring sentiment,” he said.