Due to the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the local economy, local residents’ unemployment rate rose by 0.6 percentage points to 3.5 percent in the second quarter from the previous quarter, the Statistics and Census Bureau (DSEC) announced this week.
Macau’s general unemployment rate rose 0.4 percent quarter-on-quarter to 2.5 percent. The general unemployment rate comprises residents and non-resident workers.
The total labour force stood at 412,000 in the second quarter, when the labour force participation rate amounted to 70.8 percent. Total employment was 401,900, an increase of 4,500 employees quarter-on-quarter, while the number of employed residents fell by 900.
Employment in the construction sector rose by 4,500 to 41,000, while employment in the gaming and junket industry dropped by 5,200 to 82,300.
Macau’s median monthly employment earning in the second quarter dropped by 1,000 patacas quarter-on-quarter to 15,000 patacas.
The median monthly earnings of employees in the gaming and junket industry stood at 19,800 patacas, while they amounted to 15,000 patacas in the construction sector.
Quarter-on-quarter, employed residents’ median monthly earnings remained unchanged at 20,000 patacas.
Macau’s tourism, gaming, retail and media sectors have been severely affected by the pandemic’s impact on the local economy.
Macau has confirmed 46 COVID-19 cases since January 22. All novel coronavirus patients have been discharged from hospital.
