July-September 2005
************************************************
According to the latest labour force statistics released today (October 18) by the Census and Statistics Department, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 5.7% in June - August 2005 to 5.5% (provisional figure) in July - September 2005. The underemployment rate also declined, from 2.7% to 2.6% (provisional figure) between the two periods.
Comparing July - September 2005 with June - August 2005, decreases in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) were mainly observed in the construction, sanitary services, amusement and recreational services, and communications sectors. As to the underemployment rate, decreases were mainly seen in the amusement and recreational services, and wholesale trade sectors.
Total employment increased by around 4 300, from 3 385 700 in June - August 2005 to an all-time high of 3 390 000 (provisional figure) in July - September 2005. Meanwhile, the total labour force decreased by around 5 400, from 3 601 400 to 3 596 000 (provisional figure) between the two periods.
The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) declined by around 9 700, from 215 700 in June - August 2005 to 206 000 (provisional figure) in July - September 2005. Concurrently, the number of underemployed persons decreased by around 2 000, from 97 000 to 95 000 (provisional figure).
Commentary
A Government spokesman noted that the labour market situation improved further in July - September 2005. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to a 4-year low of 5.5%, under the combined influence of an expansion in employment and a contraction in labour supply. The reduced labour force was partly attributable to the return of many summer-time workers to schools upon the start of the new academic year, whereas total employment went up to a record high of 3.39 million on the back of sustained economic growth.
"Looking ahead, labour demand is likely to continue to grow along with the sustained pick-up in Hong Kong's overall economic activity. This will have a positive effect on the employment situation in the coming months," the spokesman added.
The spokesman pointed out that in September, the Labour Department received some 1 900 private sector vacancies per working day on average -- yet another record high. In the first nine months of this year, the Department received 318 596 private sector vacancies, surpassing the full-year figure of 297 186 in 2004 by 7.2 %.
Meanwhile, the Department chalked up another record high of 11 199 job placements in September, up 5.8% over the previous peak of 10 589 in August 2005 and representing a significant increase of 40.6% over the figure of 7 963 for the same month last year.
"The Government's commitment, as announced by the Chief Executive in his 2005-06 Policy Address, to embark on a number of works and community facility projects, expedite urban renewal and promote building maintenance will create employment opportunities for the construction, property management and related industries," the spokesman said.
"At the same time, the extension of the Individual Visit Scheme to cover four more Mainland cities, namely Chengdu, Jinan, Shenyang and Dailan from November 1 will boost inbound tourism and benefit the local retail and job markets," he added.
Further Information
The unemployment and underemployment statistics were compiled from the findings of the continuous General Household Survey.
The survey for July - September 2005 covered a sample of some 25 000 households or 77 000 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 July - September 2005 will be available for sale at HK$42 by end November 2005. Both print version and download version of the publication can be purchased online at the "Statistical Bookstore, Hong Kong" (http://www.statisticalbookstore.gov.hk). Download version of the publication can be purchased at 75% of its original price exclusively at the online Statistical Bookstore. Print version if purchased online is also offered a discount, at 85% of its original price at the Statistical Bookstore as well as the Government Bookstore (Address : http://www.isd.gov.hk/eng/bookorder.htm).
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.info.gov.hk/censtatd/eng/prod_serv/forms_index.html). 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 June - August 2005 can be directed to the General Household Survey Section (2), Census and Statistics Department at Tel: 2887 5506.
Ends/Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Issued at HKT 16:17
NNNN
