According to the latest labour force statistics released today (July 20) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 4.6% (provisional figure) in April - June 2010, same as that in March - May 2010. The underemployment rate also remained unchanged at 2.0% (provisional figure for April - June 2010).

Comparing April - June 2010 with March - May 2010, decreases in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) were mainly observed in the construction, social work activities, and financing sectors, while increases were more apparent in the postal and courier activities, manufacturing, and education sectors. As to the underemployment rate, decreases were mainly seen in the transportation and wholesale sectors, offsetting increases in the professional and business services, and warehousing and support activities for transportation sectors.

Total employment increased by around 8 800 from 3 483 300 in March - May 2010 to 3 492 100 (provisional figure) in April - June 2010. Over the same period, the labour force increased by around 8 300 from 3 655 700 to 3 664 000 (provisional figure).

The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) decreased by around 600 from 172 400 in March - May 2010 to 171 800 (provisional figure) in April - June 2010. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons decreased by around 1 000 from 74 700 to 73 700 (provisional figure).