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According to the latest labour force statistics released today (February 15) by the Census and Statistics Department, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 4.4% (provisional figure) in November 2006 - January 2007, same as that in October - December 2006. Meanwhile, the underemployment rate declined from 2.4% to 2.3% (provisional figure).
Comparing November 2006 - January 2007 with October - December 2006, decreases in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) were more apparent in the foundation and superstructure construction, restaurants, and welfare and community services sectors, while increases were seen in the insurance, retail trade and communications 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 13 700, from 3 523 400 in October - December 2006 to an all-time high of 3 537 100 (provisional figure) in November 2006 - January 2007. Over the same period, the labour force increased by around 10 000, from 3 680 600 to a new high of 3 690 600 (provisional figure).
The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) decreased by around 3 600, from 157 100 in October - December 2006 to a 68-month low of 153 500 (provisional figure) in November 2006 - January 2007, while the number of underemployed persons also decreased by around 3 600, from 89 800 to 86 200 (provisional figure).
Commentary
A Government spokesman noted that the labour market remained active in November 2006 - January 2007, with total employment surging to another record high and the number of unemployed (not seasonally adjusted) falling to a 68-month low of 153 500. After discounting the effect of a usual upsurge in business activity in the run-up to the Lunar New Year holidays, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate nevertheless showed little change at 4.4%, the lowest level in six years.
In January 2007, the Labour Department netted 37 884 vacancies from the private sector, an increase of 26.2% over the preceding month and up 40.6% over January 2006. On average, the Department received 1 700 private sector vacancies on each working day.
The Department also achieved 8 934 job placements last month, up 3.2% over December 2006 and an increase of 9.9% over January 2006.
Meanwhile, the Administration will continue with its efforts to promote youth employment. A joint recruitment exercise for the Youth Pre-employment Training Programme and Youth Work Experience Training Scheme will commence on February 24.
"The two programmes aim to enhance the employability and competitiveness of young people aged 15 to 24 through employment and training support. We have sufficient training places and will not turn away any eligible applicant," the spokesman said.
Further Information
The unemployment and underemployment statistics were compiled from the findings of the continuous General Household Survey.
The survey for November 2006 - January 2007 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 Census and Statistics Department (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 October - December 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, February 15, 2007
Issued at HKT 16:15
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