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According to the latest labour force statistics released today (January 18) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 4.4% (provisional figure) in October - December 2006, same as that in September - November 2006. Meanwhile, the underemployment rate declined from 2.5% to 2.4% (provisional figure).
Comparing October - December 2006 with September - November 2006, decreases in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) were more apparent in the restaurants, insurance and communications sectors, while increases were seen in the amusement and recreational services, sanitary services and real estate sectors. As to the underemployment rate, decreases were mainly found in the decoration and maintenance, and amusement and recreational services sectors.
Total employment increased by around 9 100, from 3 514 400 in September - November 2006 to an all-time high of 3 523 500 (provisional figure) in October - December 2006. Over the same period, the labour force increased by around 4 600, from 3 676 000 to a new high of 3 680 600 (provisional figure).
The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) decreased by around 4 500, from 161 600 in September - November 2006 to a 66-month low of 157 100 (provisional figure) in October - December 2006, while the number of underemployed persons decreased by around 1 000, from 90 800 to 89 800 (provisional figure).
Commentary
A Government spokesman noted that the labour market remained active in October - December 2006, with total employment surging to another record high of over 3.52 million and the number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) falling below the 160 000 mark for the first time since mid-2001. After discounting the effect of the usual upsurge in business activity around the Christmas and New Year holidays, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was nevertheless unchanged at 4.4%, the lowest level in almost six years.
For 2006 as a whole, the unemployment rate averaged at 4.8%, down visibly further from 5.6% in 2005. This was due to a faster growth in total employment than the total labour force, at 2.5% as against 1.6%.
Last year witnessed some notable achievements in the Labour Department's employment service. The Department netted 479 942 vacancies from the private sector, up 12.7% over 2005. At the same time, it achieved 118 937 placements, up 5.2% over 2005. The 2006 figures were all-time highs.
"Since the opening of the new Job Centres in Yuen Long and North District in September 2006, altogether some 7 600 vacancies have been canvassed from within the districts, thus benefiting local job-seekers in these remote areas," the spokesman said.
The spokesman noted that it was the usual practice for employers to review and adjust, if necessary, their staffing situation shortly after the Lunar New Year holidays against the prevailing economic and business conditions.
"The near-term employment outlook will therefore depend on the outcome of such a review. We will keep the situation closely in view," 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 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 July - September 2006 is now available and the next issue covering the quarter October - December 2006 will be available by mid March 2007. 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 September - November 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/Thursday, January 18, 2007
Issued at HKT 16:15
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