Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 3.8 percent in October to December last year, same as in September to November, official data showed on Tuesday.

The underemployment rate rose from 1.6 percent in September-November to 1.7 percent in October-December, with increases mainly seen in the transportation sector and information and communications sector, according to data from the Census and Statistics Department.

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Comparing the two periods, movements in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) in different industry sectors varied, but the magnitudes were generally small.  

“The labor force and total employment decreased slightly, and the number of unemployed persons also decreased further," said Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han.

Total employment decreased by around 2,900 from 3,669,900 from September to November to 3,667,000 in the last quarter of last year. Over the same period, the labor force also decreased by around 9,100 from 3,814,300 to 3,805,200.

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The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) decreased by around 6,200 to 138,200 in October-December while the number of underemployed residents increased by around 3,900 to 64,800.

Looking ahead, Sun said the continued growth of Hong Kong’s economy and the improvement in local consumption sentiment should help stabilize the labor market.

“Nonetheless, the employment situations in some sectors may continue to be affected by their challenging business conditions," he added.