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According to the latest labour force statistics released today (May 18) by the Census and Statistics Department, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined from 5.2% in January ！ March 2006 to a 56-month low of 5.1% (provisional figure) in February ！ April 2006, whereas the underemployment rate rose slightly from 2.3% to 2.4% (provisional figure).
Comparing February - April 2006 with January ！ March 2006, decreases in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) were mainly observed in the decoration and maintenance, insurance and retail trade sectors. As to the underemployment rate, increases were concentrated in the manufacturing, hotels and education services sectors.
Total employment increased by around 1 300, from 3 426 200 in January ！March 2006 to 3 427 500 (provisional figure) in February ！ April 2006. Over the same period, the labour force increased by around 1 800, from 3 606 700 to 3 608 500 (provisional figure).
The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) increased by around 500, from 180 500 in January ！March 2006 to 181 000 (provisional figure) in February - April 2006. Concurrently, the number of underemployed persons increased by around 3 400, from 82 600 to 86 000 (provisional figure).
Commentary
A Government spokesman noted that the labour market remained broadly stable in February ！ April 2006. Compared with January ！ March 2006, both total employment and the labour force grew only modestly, while the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged down to a 56-month low of 5.1%. The near-term outlook would continue to hinge on the overall economic growth and in particular the pace of job creation in the private sector, especially during the summer months, for absorbing the new batch of fresh graduates and school leavers.
"In April, the Labour Department received 39 187 private sector vacancies, up 3.9% over the same month last year. On average, some 2 000 vacancies were received on each working day.
"To respond flexibly to employers¨ recruitment needs and help job-seekers secure employment speedily, the Labour Department will organise 13 major job fairs and 50 district-based job fairs this year. The next one will be held at the Central Library on June 7," the spokesman said.
Further Information
The unemployment and underemployment statistics were compiled from the findings of the continuous General Household Survey.
The survey for February ！ April 2006 covered a sample of some 23 000 households or 73 000 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 January ！ March 2006 will be available for sale at HK$43 by end May 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).
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 January ！ March 2006 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, May 18, 2006
Issued at HKT 16:16
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