2014.09.1806:14:00UTC+00Hong Kong Jobless Rate Stable In June-Aug

Hong Kong's unemployment rate remained unchanged in the June to August period, trailing the expectations of economists, labor market statistics revealed Thursday.

The seasonally adjusted jobless rate came in at 3.3 percent in the June to August period, the same rate as in the May to July period, the Census and Statistics Department said. The rate was forecast to increase to 3.4 percent.

The number of unemployed persons increased by around 3,100 to 136,400 in the three months ended August.

On the short-term outlook, Secretary for Labor and Welfare, Matthew Cheung Kin-chung said, "Hong Kong's near-term economic outlook remains clouded by uncertainties on both the domestic and external fronts. The trend of unemployment rate in the rest of this year will hinge on the overall economic situation, including the performance of tourism and consumption-related sectors down the road. We will stay vigilant and monitor development closely."

On the provision of employment services, Cheung said, "Apart from the Retail Industry Job Fair today and tomorrow, the Department will organise the Tsuen Wan Job Fair from October 21 to 23 at Discovery Park in Tsuen Wan."