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According to the latest labour force statistics released today (July 20) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased slightly from 5.3% in March - May 2009 to 5.4% (provisional figure) in April - June 2009. The underemployment rate held stable at 2.3% in both periods (provisional figure for April - June 2009).
Comparing April - June 2009 with March - May 2009, increases in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) were mainly observed in the arts, entertainment and recreation, social work activities and wholesale sectors. As to the underemployment rate, decrease was mainly seen in the warehousing and support activities for transportation sector, offsetting the increase in the decoration and maintenance sector.
Total employment decreased by around 8 700, from 3 514 900 in March - May 2009 to 3 506 200 (provisional figure) in April - June 2009. Over the same period, the labour force decreased by around 5 500, from 3 714 700 to 3 709 200 (provisional figure).
The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) increased by around 3 300, from 199 700 in March - May 2009 to 203 000 (provisional figure) in April - June 2009. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons decreased by around 300, from 85 200 to 84 900 (provisional figure).
Commentary
The labour market has exhibited greater resilience, as demonstrated by the narrowing in the rise of the unemployment rate recently. The labour force decreased by 5 500, while total employment contracted by 8 700. As a result, the number of unemployed persons increased by 3 300 to 203 000. After discounting the seasonal factor, the unemployment rate increased slightly from 5.3% in March - May 2009 to 5.4% in April - June 2009.
The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, noted that the rise in the unemployment rate began to show signs of tapering off.
Mr Cheung said, "Although the local business environment remains weak, the global economy seems to have stabilised recently. The relative stability of our external trade and domestic economic sectors in recent months as compared to that of early this year, coupled with the effect of the Government's various rounds of relief measures, have helped ease unemployment.
"The unemployment situation of the construction sector has also seen signs of improvement. Specifically the unemployment rate of the decoration and maintenance sub-sector has fallen notably for two consecutive periods. This shows that the Government's efforts to boost employment in the construction sector are beginning to take effect.
"Looking ahead, given the current economic situation and the entry of fresh graduates and school leavers into the labour market in the coming months, the unemployment rate is expected to face upward pressure in the near term. We will continue to be vigilant and monitor the situation closely.
"Meanwhile, the Internship Programme for University Graduates, which will provide about 4 000 internship places for university graduates, will accept application on 1 August. It is expected that the programme could help soothe employment pressure to a certain extent."
In June 2009, the Labour Department netted 45 983 vacancies from the private sector, down 11.3% over the same period last year but up 13.5% over the 40 523 vacancies netted in May this year. 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 April - June 2009 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 January - March 2009 is now available and the next issue covering the quarter April - 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 March - May 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/Monday, July 20, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:30
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