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According to the latest labour force statistics released today (July 18) by the Census and Statistics Department, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose slightly from 4.9% in March - May 2006 to 5.0% (provisional figure) in April - June 2006. The underemployment rate also edged up slightly, from 2.6% to 2.7% (provisional figure).
Comparing April - June 2006 with March - May 2006, increases in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) were mainly observed in the sanitary services, construction and business services sectors. As to the underemployment rate, increases were found in the communications, amusement and recreational services, and manufacturing sectors.
Total employment decreased by around 11 500, from 3 437 500 in March - May 2006 to 3 426 000 (provisional figure) in April - June 2006. Over the same period, the labour force decreased by around 7 300, from 3 612 300 to 3 605 000 (provisional figure).
The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) increased by around 4 200, from 174 800 in March - May 2006 to 179 000 (provisional figure) in April - June 2006. Meanwhile, the number of underemployed persons increased by around 900, from 95 100 to 96 000 (provisional figure).
Commentary
A Government spokesman noted that, despite the entry of some fresh graduates and school leavers, the labour force showed a small reduction in overall terms in April - June 2006. Yet total employment fell by a somewhat larger magnitude, with most of the decrease occurring in the construction, real estate and manufacturing sectors. Concurrently, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose back slightly to 5.0%. This notwithstanding, the overall sentiment in the economy generally and the labour market in particular remained generally positive.
In the next couple of months, the entry of fresh graduates and school leavers may still affect the labour force and unemployment figures. These newcomers can, however, be expected to be increasingly absorbed into employment, provided that more new jobs are created upon further growth in economic activity.
"In June, the Labour Department received 39 484 private sector vacancies, up 16.7% over the same month last year. For the first half of this year, the figure stood at 239 636, an increase of 25.5% over the same period last year," the spokesman said.
"To cater for the new batch of young school leavers seeking to enter the labour market, the Labour Department will continue to offer 20 000 training places under the Youth Pre-employment Training Programme and Youth Work Experience Training Scheme. Joint enrolment will commence on July 29.
"To facilitate school leavers to obtain the latest information on employment, training and further studies, the Labour Department and Education and Manpower Bureau will jointly organise an Information Expo at Plaza Hollywood in Diamond Hill on July 29-30," the spokesman added.
Further Information
The unemployment and underemployment statistics were compiled from the findings of the continuous General Household Survey.
The survey for April - June 2006 covered a sample of some 24 000 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 current issue of the report covering the quarter January - March 2006 is now available and the next issue covering the quarter April - June 2006 will be available by end August 2006. Users can download this publication free of charge at the "Statistical Bookstore, Hong Kong" (www.statisticalbookstore.gov.hk) of the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD).
Print version of the current issue of this publication is available for sale at HK$43 per issue. Purchase can be done in person at the Publications Unit of the C&SD (Address : 19/F Wanchai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Wan Chai; Tel. : 2582 3025) or through mail order by returning a completed order form which can be downloaded from the C&SD's website (www.censtatd.gov.hk/products_and_services/other_services/provision_of_stat/mail_ordering_of_publications/index.jsp). Print version of this publication is also available for sale online at the Statistical Bookstore and the Government Bookstore of the Information Services Department (www.isd.gov.hk/eng/bookorder.htm). Print versions if purchased online are offered a discount, at 85% of their original prices.
Enquiries for more detailed labour force statistics for March - May 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/Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Issued at HKT 16:15
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