The jobless rate in Hong Kong increased during the three months to October this year, official figures show.

According to the jurisdiction's Census and Statistics Department, the quarter witnessed growth in the number of roles available in sectors including food and beverage services, cleaning, foundation and superstructure and wholesale.

The labor force statistics reveal the seasonally adjusted rate of joblessness remained stable over the three months at 4.2 per cent compared with July to September 2010.

Between August and October 2010, the underemployment total was also frozen at 1.9 per cent, with falls witnessed in the wholesale and the arts, entertainment and recreation industries.

The special administrative region of China saw a 10,800 climb in the number of positions to more than 3.531 million, while the labor force grew by 2,100 to in excess of 3.682 million and the unemployment total dipped by 8,600 to 153,200.

"Thanks to sustained economic growth and job creation, total employment increased for the fifth consecutive month," labor and welfare secretary Matthew Cheung Kin-chung remarked.

Employment data for the previous quarter showed the number of individuals out of work dropped by 5,700 to 161,800.

Posted by Kate Griffin