Hong Kong's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.7% in June to August, unchanged from the May to July period, data released by the Census and Statistics Department Tuesday said.

The number of unemployed persons, not seasonally adjusted, increased to 151,000 in June to August from 145,000 in the previous period.

Non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose in the food and beverage and manufacturing sectors, while falling in the construction and professional and business services niche.

The underemployment rate increased to 1.6% in the period from 1.4% in the three months ended July 31, with a rise in underemployed persons to 59,400 from 55,200 previously.

Based on industry, the underemployment rate jumped in the food and beverage sector, as well as the arts, entertainment, and recreation niche. A lower rate was seen in the building decoration, repair, and maintenance sector.

Total employment climbed to 3,680,600 in the three months ended Aug. 31 from 3,671,300 May to July. Labor force increased to 3,831,600 from 3,816,200.