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According to the latest labour force statistics released today (May 17) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 4.3% (provisional figure) in February ！ April 2007, same as that in January ！ March 2007. Meanwhile, the underemployment rate declined from 2.2% to 2.1% (provisional figure), the lowest level in more than nine years.
Comparing February ！ April 2007 with January ！ March 2007, decreases in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) were mainly observed in the decoration and maintenance, retail trade and education services sectors, while increases were more apparent in the amusement and recreational services, sanitary services and restaurants sectors. As to the underemployment rate, decreases were mainly seen in the decoration and maintenance, sanitary services and manufacturing sectors.
Total employment increased by around 1 300, from 3 459 400 in January ！ March 2007 to 3 460 700 (provisional figure) in February ！ April 2007. Over the same period, the labour force increased by around 5 000, from 3 611 900 to 3 616 900 (provisional figure).
The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) increased by around 3 800, from 152 500 in January ！ March 2007 to 156 300 (provisional figure) in February ！ April 2007, while the number of underemployed persons decreased by around 3 000, from 80 600 to 77 600 (provisional figure).
Commentary
A Government spokesman noted that the labour market remained broadly stable in February ！ April 2007. Whilst total employment showed a modest expansion, this was more than offset by a larger increase in the labour force. As a result, the number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) went up moderately. Nevertheless, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged at the near nine-year low of 4.3%. Meanwhile, the underemployment rate edged down to 2.1%, the lowest in over nine years.
Looking ahead, while total employment is expected to continue to grow in the near term alongside the sustained pick-up in economic activity, the labour supply will likely be boosted by the entry of a new batch of fresh graduates and school leavers into the labour market. The outlook for unemployment will therefore depend largely on the pace of job creation in the corporate sector for absorbing the newcomers.
In April 2007, the Labour Department netted 42 116 vacancies from the private sector, an increase of 7.5% over the same month last year. On average, the Department received over 2 300 vacancies per working day.
"To cater for the needs of fresh graduates and school leavers entering the labour market, the Department will continue to strengthen its employment services to promote employment on all fronts," the spokesman said.
"On May 29, 2007, the Department will hold a job fair at Metro City Plaza II, Tseung Kwan O. More than 2 000 vacancies from various sectors including retail, catering and property management will be offered. The bulk of these require Form 5 educational level or below and are open to job-seekers without relevant experience," the spokesman added.
Further Information
The unemployment and underemployment statistics were compiled from the findings of the continuous General Household Survey.
The survey for February ！ April 2007 covered a sample of some 24 000 households or 75 000 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 October ！ December 2006 is now available and the next issue covering the quarter January ！ March 2007 will be available by end May 2007. Users can download this publication free of charge at the Website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/products_and_services/products/publications/index.jsp).
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 (www.statisticalbookstore.gov.hk) and the Government Bookstore of the Information Services Department (www.bookstore.gov.hk). Print versions if purchased online are offered a discount, at 85% of their original prices.
Enquiries for more detailed labour force statistics for January ！ March 2007 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, May 17, 2007
Issued at HKT 16:15
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