According to the latest labour force statistics (i.e. provisional figures for October - December 2015) released today (January 19) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 3.3% in October - December 2015, same as that in September - November 2015. The underemployment rate increased from 1.3% in September - November 2015 to 1.4% in October - December 2015.

Comparing October - December 2015 with September - November 2015, movements in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) in different industry sectors varied. An increase was mainly seen in the information and communications sector while a decrease was mainly seen in the warehousing and support activities for transportation sector. As to the underemployment rate, an increase was mainly seen in the arts, entertainment and recreation sector.

Total employment increased by around 13 300 from 3 790 600 in September - November 2015 to 3 803 900 in October - December 2015. Over the same period, the labour force also increased by around 5 800 from 3 919 700 to 3 925 500.

The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) decreased by around 7 500 from 129 100 in September - November 2015 to 121 600 in October - December 2015. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons increased by around 1 000 from 52 500 to 53 500.