Jobless Rate Falls Further To 4.1 Percent

Hong Kong's unemployment eased for a fourth straight month as domestic activities further picked up, but the government warned that tightened financial conditions may limit the degree of improvement in the labour market.

New official data released on Monday showed that the jobless rate for the June to August period stood at 4.1 percent, inching down 0.2 percentage points from the May-to-July figure.

Underemployment also fell by 0.2 percentage points to 2 percent.

The government said the improvement in the labour market was more notable in the buildings decoration, repair and maintenance sector, as well as the arts, entertainment and recreation sector.

"The labour market continued to improve alongside the revival of domestic economic activities," said labour minister Chris Sun.

"The Consumption Voucher Scheme should continue to support local consumption demand, yet the recent tightened financial conditions may pose some constraints. Moreover, the development of the local epidemic may also have bearings on economic activities and thus the labour market.”