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According to the latest labour force statistics released today (April 20) by the Census and Statistics Department, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 5.2% (provisional figure) in January - March 2006, same as that in December 2005 - February 2006. The underemployment rate also held stable at 2.3% in both periods (provisional figure for January - March 2006).
Comparing January - March 2006 with December 2005 - February 2006, decreases in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) were mainly observed in the communications, miscellaneous personal services and medical services sectors, while increases were more apparent in the decoration and maintenance, sanitary services and wholesale and retail trades sectors. As to the underemployment rate, decreases were mainly seen in the manufacturing, welfare and community services and transport sectors, offsetting the increases in the decoration and maintenance and sanitary services sectors.
Total employment increased by around 11 100, from 3 413 900 in December 2005 - February 2006 to 3 425 000 (provisional figure) in January - March 2006. Over the same period, the labour force increased by around 15 300, from 3 589 700 to 3 605 000 (provisional figure).
The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) increased by around 4 200, from 175 800 in December 2005 - February 2006 to 180 000 (provisional figure) in January - March 2006. Concurrently, the number of underemployed persons increased by around 500, from 82 500 to 83 000 (provisional figure).
Commentary
A Government spokesman noted that the labour market has recovered from the lull in activity after the Lunar New Year holidays. Total employment rebounded to exceed 3.42 million in January - March 2006. Concurrently, the labour force increased even more, thus leading to a slight increase in the number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted). Yet the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held stable at a 4.5-year low of 5.2%. The near-term outlook would continue to hinge on the overall economic performance and along with it the growth in labour demand, relative to that in labour supply.
"The labour market remained active. In March, the Labour Department netted a record high of 50 044 private sector vacancies, up 39.1% over the figure of 35 970 for the same month last year. On average, around 2 000 vacancies were received on each working day," the spokesman added.
Further Information
The unemployment and underemployment statistics were compiled from the findings of the continuous General Household Survey.
The survey for January - March 2006 covered a sample of some 24 000 households or 73 000 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 January - March 2006 will be available for sale at HK$43 by end May 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 (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 December 2005 - February 2006 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/Thursday, April 20, 2006
Issued at HKT 16:16
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