************************************************************
According to the latest labour force statistics released today (December 19) by the Census and Statistics Department, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 5.3% (provisional figure) in September - November 2005, same as that in August - October 2005. Meanwhile, the underemployment rate decreased from 2.5% to 2.4% (provisional figure).
Comparing September - November 2005 with August - October 2005, decreases in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) were mainly observed in the manufacturing, education services and sanitary services sectors, while increases were more apparent in the construction and restaurants sectors. As to the underemployment rate, decreases were mainly seen in the restaurants and sanitary services sectors.
Total employment increased by around 2 200, from 3 415 800 in August - October 2005 to an all-time high of 3 418 000 (provisional figure) in September - November 2005. Meanwhile, the total labour force decreased by around 1 100, from 3 609 100 to 3 608 000 (provisional figure).
The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) declined by around 3 300, from 193 300 in August - October 2005 to 190 000 (provisional figure) in September - November 2005. Concurrently, the number of underemployed persons decreased by around 2 000, from 90 000 to 88 000 (provisional figure).
Commentary
A Government spokesman noted that the labour market held broadly stable in September - November 2005, with the total labour force showing little change, while the total employment hit an all-time high of 3 418 000. The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) fell modestly and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained static at 5.3%, which was the lowest level recorded since July - September 2001.
The spokesman pointed out that the overall labour market sentiment remained generally buoyant.
"The improvement in consumer spending and vibrant inbound tourism should continue to create job opportunities for the tourism-related services sector.
"In November, the Labour Department achieved 10 875 job placements, a significant increase of 34% over the same period last year. Meanwhile, the Department captured 39 775 private sector vacancies, up a hefty 36% over the same month last year. On average, the number of vacancies received from the private sector on each working day remained at a high level of 1 650," the spokesman said.
"The near-term outlook will depend on the overall business conditions and in particular job creation in the corporate sector during the festival period around Christmas and the New Year," he added.
Further Information
The unemployment and underemployment statistics were compiled from the findings of the continuous General Household Survey.
The survey for September - November 2005 covered a sample of some 25 000 households or 78 000 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 October - December 2005 will be available for sale at HK$42 by end February 2006. 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.censtatd.gov.hk/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 August - October 2005 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/Monday, December 19, 2005
Issued at HKT 16:15
NNNN
