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According to the latest labour force statistics released today (June 16) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 5.3% (provisional figure) in March ¡V May 2009, same as that in February ¡V April 2009. Meanwhile, the underemployment rate increased from 2.2% to 2.3% (provisional figure) over the same period.
Comparing March ¡V May 2009 with February ¡V April 2009, decreases in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) were mainly observed in the construction, transportation, accommodation services, and arts, entertainment and recreation sectors, while increases were more apparent in the food services, social work activities and wholesale sectors. As to the underemployment rate, increases were mainly seen in the construction, warehousing and support activities for transportation sectors.
Total employment increased by around 12 800, from 3 502 100 in February ¡V April 2009 to 3 514 900 (provisional figure) in March ¡V May 2009. Over the same period, the labour force increased by around 15 700, from 3 699 000 to an all-time high of 3 714 700 (provisional figure).
The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) increased by around 2 800, from 196 900 in February ¡V April 2009 to 199 700 (provisional figure) in March ¡V May 2009. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons increased by around 5 300, from 79 900 to 85 200 (provisional figure).
Commentary
Labour market conditions showed signs of stabilisation, with total employment up by 12 800 in March ¡V May 2009 after falling continuously between the periods November 2008 ¡V January 2009 and February ¡V April 2009. Over the same period, the labour force increased by 15 700 to an all-time high of 3 714 700. As a result, the number of unemployed persons increased slightly by 2 800. After discounting the seasonal influence, the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 5.3%.
The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, said, ¡§The unemployment rate has remained unchanged for the first time since the upward trend started eight months ago, while total employment has gone up by 12 800 after falling for four consecutive periods. These are both encouraging developments.
¡§Nevertheless, given that the economy has yet to recover from recession and fresh graduates and school-leavers are expected to enter the labour market in the summer, the unemployment rate may still face upward pressure in the coming months.¡¨
¡§We are facing the worst global recession in 60 years. While the external economy has yet to recover, the uncertainty brought about by the human swine influenza has also exerted extra pressure on the labour market. We shall continue to be on the alert and monitor closely the employment situation while at the same time implement the host of relief measures announced as soon as possible.
¡§The Government¡¦s several rounds of relief measures are actually beginning to take effect. With the gradual implementation of various measures to support enterprises and preserve jobs, there were indeed signs of stabilisation in our labour market.
¡§The next step now is to restore confidence. The latest round of relief measures announced by the Government last month is likely to help set the scene for the stablisation of the economy and raise people¡¦s confidence in coping with the economic downturn,¡¨ he added.
In May 2009, the Labour Department netted over 40 000 vacancies from the private sector, down 28.0% over the same period last year and 10.2% over April 2009. On average, the Department received about 2 100 vacancies per working day.
Further Information
The unemployment and underemployment statistics were compiled from the findings of the continuous General Household Survey.
The survey for March ¡V May 2009 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 current issue of the report covering the quarter January ¡V March 2009 is now available and the next issue covering the quarter April ¡V June 2009 will be available by end August 2009. Users can download this publication free of charge at the website of the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) (www.censtatd.gov.hk/products_and_services/products/publications/statistical_report/labour/index.jsp).
Print version of the current issue of this publication is available for sale at HK$66 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 Government Bookstore of the Information Services Department (www.bookstore.gov.hk).
Enquiries for more detailed labour force statistics for February ¡V April 2009 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/Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:31
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