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According to the latest labour force statistics released today (June 16) by the Census and Statistics Department, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 3.5% (provisional figure) in March - May 2011, same as that in February - April 2011. The underemployment rate also remained unchanged at 1.9% in the two periods (provisional figure).
Comparing March - May 2011 with February - April 2011, decreases in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) were mainly observed in the wholesale, foundation and superstructure, as well as manufacturing sectors, while increases were more apparent in the decoration, repair and maintenance for buildings, warehousing and support activities for transportation, and food and beverage service activities sectors. As to the underemployment rate, decreases were mainly seen in the arts, entertainment and recreation sector, offsetting increases in the decoration, repair and maintenance for buildings sector.
Total employment increased by around 15 000 from 3 585 500 in February - April 2011 to 3 600 500 (provisional figure) in March - May 2011. Over the same period, the labour force increased by around 17 800 from 3 717 500 to 3 735 300 (provisional figure).
The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) increased by around 3 000 from 131 900 in February - April 2011 to 134 900 (provisional figure) in March - May 2011. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons increased by around 700 from 68 900 to 69 600 (provisional figure).
Commentary
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 3.5% in March - May 2011, same as that in February - April 2011. The underemployment rate also remained unchanged at 1.9% in the two periods.
Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, said, "Owing to strong economic growth and continued job generation, total employment increased notably further by about 15 000 to an all-time high of 3 600 500 in March - May 2011. Over the same period, the labour force increased by around 17 800 from 3 717 500 to 3 735 300. The new jobs created helped to absorb most of the additional workforce. Consequently, the number of unemployed persons rose only slightly by 3 000 during the period. Meanwhile, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged."
On the short-term outlook, Mr Cheung said, "In the next few months, a new batch of fresh graduates and school leavers will enter the labour market. Together with job-seekers induced by the recent implementation of the statutory minimum wage, this will pose pressure on the unemployment rate. However, with the buoyant economy and positive hiring sentiment, labour demand is expected to remain firm in the near term. This should help cushion the impact arising from the increasing labour supply."
"Since April 2010, the number of new private sector vacancies received by the Labour Department has stayed at a high level of about 3 000 per working day on average. This level has been maintained so far this month."
In May 2011, the number of private sector vacancies posted by the Labour Department increased by 12.3% from 58 697 in April 2011 to 65 943, and up by 7.9% over 61 089 in the same period last year. The number of successful placements increased by 4.6% from 13 468 in April 2011 to 14 091, and up by 13.5% over 12 417 in the same period last year.
Mr Cheung said that the Labour Department would step up its efforts in providing a free and comprehensive range of employment services to job-seekers. "With the implementation of statutory minimum wage, large-scale job fairs targeted specifically at the likely affected sectors were organised on May 25-26 and will be held again in July. The Labour Department will continue to promote employment programmes for different vulnerable groups and proactively adopt a multi-pronged approach comprising measures on all fronts to facilitate employment of vulnerable groups of job-seekers. We will continue to monitor developments closely, and do our best to assist job-seekers," he added.
Further Information
The unemployment and underemployment statistics were compiled from the findings of the continuous General Household Survey.
The survey for March - May 2011 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 publication covering the quarter January - March 2011 is now available and the next issue covering the quarter April - June 2011 will be available by end August 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 February - April 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/Thursday, June 16, 2011
Issued at HKT 16:36
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