Despite the economic uncertainty in some global markets, Hong Kong saw unemployment in the state remain at a 14-year low between July and September 2011.

The special administrative region of China witnessed joblessness remain at a seasonally adjusted level of 3.2 per cent over the quarter, the same rate as the three months to August.

A total of 5,800 new paid roles were created between July and September, taking the number of people in positions to 3.6366 million, while the labor force rose by 2,800 to 3.7666 million.

According to the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department, underemployment declined over the period to September from 1.8 per cent to 1.7 per cent and joblessness dropped by 3,000 to 127,100.

Matthew Cheung, Hong Kong secretary for labor and welfare, warned that global conditions could affect future labor market growth, adding: "Employers have generally turned more cautious towards staff hiring recently amidst growing concern over the eurozone debt crisis and subdued economic growth in the United States".

New parental rights legislation could come into force in Hong Kong next year following a consultation on paternity leave, according to the state's civil service secretary Denise Yu.

Posted by Kate Griffin