Hong Kong jobless rate steady at 3.3% in Sep-Nov

[HONG KONG] The labour market held largely stable in September - November 2014, with the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate staying at 3.3 per cent for the fifth consecutive period. Both total employment and labour force sustained moderate year-on-year growth," said Matthew Cheung, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare.

On the short-term outlook, Mr Cheung said, "While the unemployment situation in those sectors more affected by the'Occupy Movement' has remained largely stable, some signs of worsening in the underemployment situation were observed. Although labour demand in the near term is likely to remain buoyant in the run-up to the festive season around Christmas and the New Year, the potential lagging impacts of the 'Occupy Movement' on the domestic economy will still need to be watched. We will closely monitor development in the labour market, especially the employment and income situation of the grassroots workers."

REUTERS