**********************************************************
According to the latest labour force statistics released today (April 19) by the Census and Statistics Department, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 3.6% in December 2010 - February 2011 to 3.4% (provisional figure) in January - March 2011. Meanwhile, the underemployment rate increased from 1.7% to 1.8% (provisional figure).
Comparing January - March 2011 with December 2010 - February 2011, decreases in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) were mainly observed in the postal and courier activities, wholesale, and cleaning and similar activities sectors. As to the underemployment rate, increases were mainly seen in the wholesale and construction sectors.
Total employment increased by around 1 800 from 3 575 500 in December 2010 - February 2011 to 3 577 300 (provisional figure) in January - March 2011. Over the same period, the labour force increased by around 3 100 from 3 698 700 to 3 701 800 (provisional figure).
The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) increased by around 1 200 from 123 300 in December 2010 - February 2011 to 124 500 (provisional figure) in January - March 2011. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons increased by around 4 700 from 61 600 to 66 300 (provisional figure).
Commentary
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped further by 0.2 percentage point from December 2010 - February 2011 to 3.4% in January - March 2011, the lowest level since June - August 2008 (just before the outbreak of the global financial tsunami). For young persons aged 15-24, the unemployment rate decreased further by 0.5 percentage point from 9.3% in the previous period to 8.8%.
Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, said, "The unemployment situation continued to improve. Total employment increased by 1 800 to 3 577 300 in January - March 2011."
On the near-term outlook, Mr Cheung said, "In view of the still strong economic performance and positive hiring sentiment in the corporate sector, the unemployment rate is likely to remain at low levels in the near term."
"Despite this, we will remain vigilant in monitoring any economic and employment implications arising from domestic and external developments, including the imminent implementation of statutory minimum wage, and the recent earthquake and nuclear crisis in Japan," he added.
"The Labour Department provides a free and comprehensive range of employment services to job seekers. With the forthcoming implementation of statutory minimum wage, large-scale job fairs specifically for the low paying sectors will be organised in May and July 2011. Furthermore, the Labour Department will continue to promote the employment programmes targeting at different vulnerable groups and proactively adopt a multi-pronged approach comprising measures on all fronts to facilitate employment of vulnerable groups of job seekers," he noted.
In March 2011, the number of private sector vacancies posted by the Labour Department increased by 36.6% from 59 035 in February 2011 to 80 651, and up by 22.3% over 65 972 in the same period last year. The number of successful placements increased by 15.4% from 12 216 in February 2011 to 14 092, and up by 33.9% over 10 521 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 January - March 2011 covered a sample of some 25 000 households or 75 000 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 publication covering the quarter October - December 2010 is now available and the next issue covering the quarter January - March 2011 will be available by end May 2011. Users can download this publication free of charge at the website of the Census and Statistics Department (www.censtatd.gov.hk/products_and_services/products/publications/statistical_report/labour/index.jsp).
Enquiries for more detailed labour force statistics for December 2010 - February 2011 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, April 19, 2011
Issued at HKT 16:33
NNNN
