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According to the latest labour force statistics released today (January 19) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 5.1% in September - November 2009 to 4.9% (provisional figure) in October - December 2009. Meanwhile, the underemployment rate also declined from 2.5% to 2.3% (provisional figure).
Comparing October - December 2009 with September - November 2009, decreases in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) were mainly observed in the import/export trade, foundation and superstructure, financing and accommodation services sectors. As to the underemployment rate, decreases were mainly seen in the construction and cleaning activities sectors.
Total employment decreased slightly from 3 497 600 in September - November 2009 to 3 497 100 (provisional figure) in October - December 2009. Over the same period, the labour force decreased by a larger extent of around 8 700 from 3 678 600 to 3 669 900 (provisional figure).
The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) decreased by around 8 200 from 181 000 in September - November 2009 to 172 800 (provisional figure) in October - December 2009. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons decreased by around 5 700 from 90 200 to 84 500 (provisional figure).
Commentary
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate has steadily come down for four consecutive months to 4.9%, slightly below 5.0% for the first time since November 2008 - January 2009.
Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, said, "The unemployment situation of most age groups has improved. Decreases were more noticeable in the 15-19 and 20-24 age groups, falling by 1.5 percentage points to 20.1% and 1.0 percentage point to 10.5% respectively."
"The overall unemployment rate of the construction sector has dropped for eight consecutive months, falling by 0.2 percentage point in the latest round to 7.4%. In particular, the unemployment rate of the foundation and superstructure sub-sector decreased by 0.7 percentage point to 6.9%, as total employment in the sub-sector went up by 6 700. It is expected that employment in the construction sector will further improve with the commencement of major infrastructure projects such as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail."
Looking ahead, Mr Cheung said that increased business activity in the run-up to the Lunar New Year would help boost labour demand, thus easing the pressure on unemployment in the near term.
"A solid recovery of the labour market in the longer term would hinge on the pace of job creation in the corporate sector. Despite the continued decline of the unemployment rate in recent months, the economic outlook is still subject to uncertainties. We shall remain vigilant and continue to monitor closely the labour market situation," he added.
In December 2009, the number of private sector vacancies posted by the Labour Department decreased by 2.8% from 56 572 in the preceding month to 54 988, but increased by 28.6% over 42 758 in the same period of last year. The number of successful placements slightly dropped from 12 004 in November 2009 to 11 678, but up by 11.2% over 10 505 in the same period last year.
Further Information
The unemployment and underemployment statistics were compiled from the findings of the continuous General Household Survey.
The survey for October - December 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 July - September 2009 is now available and the next issue covering the quarter October - December 2009 will be available by end February 2010. 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 September - November 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, January 19, 2010
Issued at HKT 16:31
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