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According to the latest labour force statistics released today (October 19) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 5.4% in June - August 2009 to 5.3% (provisional figure) in July - September 2009. The underemployment rate remained unchanged at 2.4% (provisional figure for July - September 2009).
Comparing July - September 2009 with June - August 2009, decreases in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) were mainly observed in the construction, information and communications, and arts, entertainment and recreation sectors. As to the underemployment rate, decreases were mainly seen in the decoration and maintenance, and insurance sectors, offsetting increases in the postal and courier services, and cleaning and similar services sectors.
Total employment in July - September 2009 was 3 495 500 (provisional figure), about the same as that in June - August 2009 (3 495 300). The labour force decreased by around 7 400 from 3 712 100 in June - August 2009 to 3 704 700 (provisional figure) in July - September 2009.
The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) decreased by around 7 700 from 216 800 in June - August 2009 to 209 100 (provisional figure) in July - September 2009. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons increased by around 1 700 from 88 200 to 89 900 (provisional figure).
Commentary
Underpinned by the gradual revival of the local economy, the labour market has begun to show signs of improvement. The latest seasonally adjusted unemployment rate registered its first decline since the outbreak of the global financial tsunami in August 2008. In particular, the unemployment rate of persons aged 15-19 has dropped by 2.7 percentage points to 25.7%, indicating that the Government's efforts to boost youth employment have begun to take effect.
The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, welcomed the latest drop in the unemployment rate since the global financial tsunami hit Hong Kong 13 months ago.
Mr Cheung said, "As business conditions gradually improve and the labour market stabilises, employers may adopt a more positive attitude towards recruitment. This is expected to ease the pressure on the unemployment rate in the near term.
"However, as overseas markets have yet to show visible improvement, a sustained and solid recovery will hinge on a fundamental improvement in the external environment. The recovery path may still be uneven.
"The Government will remain vigilant and monitor closely the labour market situation. We will also continue to promote employment on all fronts through training, retraining and skills upgrading."
The number of private sector vacancies posted by the Labour Department increased substantially by 15.6% to 60 998 in September 2009 over the 52 758 vacancies in the preceding month. The number of successful placements also rose by 14.1% from 9 793 in August 2009 to 11 172 over the same period.
Further Information
The unemployment and underemployment statistics were compiled from the findings of the continuous General Household Survey.
The survey for July - September 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 April - June 2009 is now available and the next issue covering the quarter July - September 2009 will be available by end November 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 June - August 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, October 19, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:30
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