Hong Kong's jobless rate steady at 3.3%

Underemployment slipped to 1.3%.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 3.3% in the November to January quarter, the same as the October to December period, the Census & Statistics Department announced.

The underemployment rate dropped to 1.3%.

Decreases in the unemployment rate were mainly seen in the food and beverage service activities sector, and the repair, laundry, domestic and other personal service activities sector.

Total employment increased by 14,100 to 3,831,100 during the quarter, and the labour force also increased by 11,200 to 3,950,300.

There were 119,200 unemployed people and 50,500 underemployed people.

Secretary for Labour & Welfare Stephen Sui said the labour market will remain tight in the near term.

"With private sector enterprises normally reviewing their annual staffing position after the Lunar New Year, we will stay vigilant and monitor developments closely," he said.