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According to the latest labour force statistics released today (October 17) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined from 4.8% in June - August 2006 to 4.7% (provisional figure) in July - September 2006, the lowest since mid-2001. The underemployment rate also declined, from 2.4% to 2.3% (provisional figure).
Comparing July - September 2006 with June - August 2006, decreases in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) were mainly observed in the sanitary services, construction and manufacturing sectors. As to the underemployment rate, decreases were primarily found in the foundation and superstructure construction, communications and restaurants sectors.
Total employment increased by around 23 100, from 3 473 800 in June - August 2006 to an all-time high of 3 496 900 (provisional figure) in July - September 2006. Over the same period, the labour force increased by around 14 600, from 3 662 700 to a new high of 3 677 300 (provisional figure).
The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) decreased by around 8 500, from 188 900 in June - August 2006 to 180 400 (provisional figure) in July - September 2006, while the number of underemployed persons dropped by around 2 600, from 88 800 to 86 200 (provisional figure).
Commentary
A Government spokesman noted that the labour market showed a broad-based improvement in July - September 2006, as employers generally increased their staffing levels amid the sustained economic revival. Total employment expanded strongly to another record high of nearly 3.5 million. By comparison, total labour force had a smaller increase, as its growth was partly retarded by the return of some summer-time workers to schools upon the start of the new academic year. As a result, the number of unemployed persons fell to just above the 180 000 mark. Meanwhile, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged down further to a 62-month low of 4.7%. The near-term outlook will hinge on the continued pick-up in overall economic activity giving rise to additional jobs for the workforce.
The spokesman pointed out that the labour market remained active. In the first nine months of this year, the Labour Department achieved 90 278 job placements, up 9.9% over the same period last year.
"As part of its efforts to strengthen its employment service in northwestern New Territories, the Labour Department has recently opened two Job Centres in Yuen Long and Sheung Shui. They commenced operation in late September and provide job-seekers with one-stop service in job-hunting," the spokesman said.
In addition, a job fair will be held in Tin Shui Wai on October 20 to facilitate local residents to find work. More than 700 vacancies from various sectors including catering, retail and property management will be offered by nine companies.
"As a new initiative in the 2006-07 Policy Address, the Labour Department will set up two Youth Employment Resource Centres in the latter part of 2007 to provide one-stop advisory and support services on employment and self-employment to youths aged between 15 and 29. This underlines the Administration's determination to promote youth employment," the spokesman added.
Further Information
The unemployment and underemployment statistics were compiled from the findings of the continuous General Household Survey.
The survey for July - September 2006 covered a sample of some 24 000 households or 74 000 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 April - June 2006 is now available and the next issue covering the quarter July - September 2006 will be available by end November 2006. Users can download this publication free of charge at the "Statistical Bookstore, Hong Kong" (www.statisticalbookstore.gov.hk) of the 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 June - August 2006 can be directed to the General Household Survey Section (2), C&SD (Tel.: 2887 5508; Fax: 2508 1501; E-mail: ghs@censtatd.gov.hk).
Ends/Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Issued at HKT 16:15
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