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According to the latest labour force statistics released today (January 19) by the Census and Statistics Department, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 5.3% (provisional figure) in October - December 2005, same as that in September - November 2005. Meanwhile, the underemployment rate edged up from 2.4% to 2.5% (provisional figure).
Total employment increased by around 13 000, from 3 419 000 in September - November 2005 to an all-time high of 3 432 000 (provisional figure) in October - December 2005. Over the same period, the total labour force increased by around 5 200, from 3 608 800 to 3 614 000 (provisional figure).
Comparing October - December 2005 with September - November 2005, decreases in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) were more apparent in the manufacturing, hotels, transports, and sanitary services sectors, while increases were seen in the amusement and recreational services, as well as medical services sectors. As to the underemployment rate, increases were mainly seen in the restaurants and transport sectors.
The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) declined by around 7 800, from 189 800 in September - November 2005 to 182 000 (provisional figure) in October - December 2005. Concurrently, the number of underemployed persons increased marginally by around 700, from 88 300 to 89 000 (provisional figure).
Commentary
A Government spokesman noted that the labour market remained active in October - December 2005, with total employment hitting another record high of 3 432 000 and the number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) declining to its lowest level in 52 months since June - August 2001. Whilst the key economic indicators continued to be buoyant, after discounting the effect of the usual upsurge in business activity around the Christmas and New Year holidays, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged at 5.3%.
"For 2005 as a whole, the unemployment rate averaged 5.6%, distinctly below the 6.8% in 2004. This was due to a faster growth in total employment than the total labour force, at 2.3% as against 1.0%," the spokesman said.
Looking ahead, labour demand is expected to stay firm in the run-up to the Lunar New Year.
The spokesman added that for the whole year of 2005, the Labour Department netted an all-time high of 425 952 vacancies from the private sector, up 43.3% over 2004.
"The Department also achieved a historic high job placement of 113 090 in 2005, an increase of 31% over 2004. On average, some 400 job placements were thus made on each working day," the spokesman said.
"To respond flexibly to employers' recruitment needs and help job-seekers secure employment speedily, the Department held 12 large-scale and 46 district-based job fairs in 2005, reaching out to such remote districts as Sheung Shui, Yuen Long and Tuen Mun.
"We will increase the number of job fairs this year to 13 large-scale and 50 district-based ones," the spokesman added.
Further Information
The unemployment and underemployment statistics were compiled from the findings of the continuous General Household Survey.
The survey for October - December 2005 covered a sample of some 24 000 households or 76 000 persons, selected in accordance with a scientifically designed sampling scheme to represent the population of Hong Kong.
Data on labour force characteristics were obtained from the survey by interviewing each member aged 15 or over in the sampled households.
In the survey, the definitions used in measuring unemployment and underemployment follow closely those recommended by the International Labour Organisation.
Detailed analysis of labour force characteristics is given in the Quarterly Report on General Household Survey which is published four times a year. The next issue of the report covering the quarter October - December 2005 will be available for sale at HK$42 by end February 2006. Both print version and download version of the publication can be purchased online at the "Statistical Bookstore, Hong Kong" (http://www.statisticalbookstore.gov.hk). Download version of the publication can be purchased at 75% of its original price exclusively at the online Statistical Bookstore. Print version if purchased online is also offered a discount, at 85% of its original price at the Statistical Bookstore as well as the Government Bookstore (http://www.isd.gov.hk/eng/bookorder.htm).
For purchase of print version, this can also be done through mail order by returning a completed order form which can be downloaded from the website of the Census and Statistics Department (http://www.censtatd.gov.hk/eng/prod_serv/forms_index). Purchase can also be made in person at the Publications Unit of the Department (Address: 19/F, Wanchai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Wan Chai; Tel.: 2582 3025).
Enquiries for more detailed labour force statistics for September - November 2005 can be directed to the General Household Survey Section (2), Census and Statistics Department (Tel.: 2887 5508; Fax: 2508 1501; E-mail: ghs@censtatd.gov.hk).
Ends/Thursday, January 19, 2006
Issued at HKT 16:16
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