Unemployment and Underemployment Statistics for June -
August 2005
******************************************************* According to the latest labour force statistics released today (September 20) by the Census and Statistics Department, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 5.7% (provisional figure) in June - August 2005, same as that in May - July 2005. Meanwhile, the underemployment rate declined from 2.8% to 2.7% (provisional figure) between the two periods.
Comparing June - August 2005 with May - July 2005, decreases in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) were mainly observed in the construction, wholesale and retail trades, restaurants and hotels, and amusement and recreational services sectors, offsetting the increases seen in the manufacturing, sanitary services and education services sectors. As to the underemployment rate, decreases were mainly seen in the construction, transport and wholesale trade sectors.
Total employment increased by around 14 400, from 3 371 600 in May - July 2005 to an all-time high of 3 386 000 (provisional figure) in June - August 2005. Concurrently, the total labour force increased by around 13 900, from 3 588 100 to a record high of 3 602 000 (provisional figure).
The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) in June - August 2005, at 216 000 (provisional figure), was little changed from that of 216 500 in May - July 2005. On the other hand, the number of underemployed persons decreased by around 2 800, from 99 800 to 97 000 (provisional figure).
Commentary
A Government spokesman noted that the unemployment situation remained broadly stable in June - August 2005, as the increase in total employment was offset by the growth in total labour force. The latest seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 5.7% - the lowest in 46 months - with total employment soaring to an all-time high of 3 386 000.
This indicated that, despite the continued entry of fresh graduates and school leavers, an increased proportion of these newcomers had been absorbed into employment. Looking ahead, labour demand is likely to continue to grow along with the sustained pick-up in overall economic activity. This will help relieve pressure on the unemployment rate in the coming months.
"The overall labour market sentiment has remained positive. In August, the Labour Department received a record high of 46 619 job vacancies from the private sector, 29.7% up on the figure of 35 944 for preceding month and a substantial increase of 58% over the figure of 29 505 for the same period last year. On average, over 1 800 vacancies were received from the private sector on each working day in August, compared with the daily average of 1 600 vacancies in recent months", the spokesman said.
At the same time, the Department achieved another record high of 10 589 placements in August, up 8.5% over the previous peak of 9 761 in June 2005 and representing a significant increase of 37.8% over the figure of 7 683 for the same month last year.
Meanwhile, the Department has received more than 14 000 applications so far for this year's Youth Pre-employment Training Programme and Youth Work Experience and Training Scheme.
"To provide training opportunities for more young people so as to better equip them and enhance their employability, youngsters aged between 15 and 24 are welcome to join the programmes any time. We will be flexible and will not turn away anyone who is eligible," the spokesman said.
Further Information
The unemployment and underemployment statistics were compiled from the findings of the continuous General Household Survey.
The survey for June - August 2005 covered a sample of some 25 000 households or 76 000 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 next issue of the report covering the quarter July - September 2005 will be available for sale at HK$42 by end November 2005. Both print version and download version of the publication can be purchased online at the "Statistical Bookstore, Hong Kong" (http://www.statisticalbookstore.gov.hk). Download version of the publication can be purchased at 75% of its original price exclusively at the online Statistical Bookstore. Print version if purchased online is also offered a discount, at 85% of its original price at the Statistical Bookstore as well as the Government Bookstore (Address : http://www.isd.gov.hk/eng/bookorder.htm).
For purchase of print version, this can also be done through mail order by returning a completed order form which can be downloaded from the website of the Census and Statistics Department (http://www.info.gov.hk/censtatd/eng/prod_serv/forms_index.html). Purchase can also be made in person at the Publications Unit of the Department (Address: 19/F, Wanchai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Wan Chai; Tel.: 2582 3025).
Enquiries for more detailed labour force statistics for May - July 2005 can be directed to the General Household Survey Section (2), Census and Statistics Department at Tel: 2887 5506.
August 2005
******************************************************* According to the latest labour force statistics released today (September 20) by the Census and Statistics Department, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 5.7% (provisional figure) in June - August 2005, same as that in May - July 2005. Meanwhile, the underemployment rate declined from 2.8% to 2.7% (provisional figure) between the two periods.
Comparing June - August 2005 with May - July 2005, decreases in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) were mainly observed in the construction, wholesale and retail trades, restaurants and hotels, and amusement and recreational services sectors, offsetting the increases seen in the manufacturing, sanitary services and education services sectors. As to the underemployment rate, decreases were mainly seen in the construction, transport and wholesale trade sectors.
Total employment increased by around 14 400, from 3 371 600 in May - July 2005 to an all-time high of 3 386 000 (provisional figure) in June - August 2005. Concurrently, the total labour force increased by around 13 900, from 3 588 100 to a record high of 3 602 000 (provisional figure).
The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) in June - August 2005, at 216 000 (provisional figure), was little changed from that of 216 500 in May - July 2005. On the other hand, the number of underemployed persons decreased by around 2 800, from 99 800 to 97 000 (provisional figure).
Commentary
A Government spokesman noted that the unemployment situation remained broadly stable in June - August 2005, as the increase in total employment was offset by the growth in total labour force. The latest seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 5.7% - the lowest in 46 months - with total employment soaring to an all-time high of 3 386 000.
This indicated that, despite the continued entry of fresh graduates and school leavers, an increased proportion of these newcomers had been absorbed into employment. Looking ahead, labour demand is likely to continue to grow along with the sustained pick-up in overall economic activity. This will help relieve pressure on the unemployment rate in the coming months.
"The overall labour market sentiment has remained positive. In August, the Labour Department received a record high of 46 619 job vacancies from the private sector, 29.7% up on the figure of 35 944 for preceding month and a substantial increase of 58% over the figure of 29 505 for the same period last year. On average, over 1 800 vacancies were received from the private sector on each working day in August, compared with the daily average of 1 600 vacancies in recent months", the spokesman said.
At the same time, the Department achieved another record high of 10 589 placements in August, up 8.5% over the previous peak of 9 761 in June 2005 and representing a significant increase of 37.8% over the figure of 7 683 for the same month last year.
Meanwhile, the Department has received more than 14 000 applications so far for this year's Youth Pre-employment Training Programme and Youth Work Experience and Training Scheme.
"To provide training opportunities for more young people so as to better equip them and enhance their employability, youngsters aged between 15 and 24 are welcome to join the programmes any time. We will be flexible and will not turn away anyone who is eligible," the spokesman said.
Further Information
The unemployment and underemployment statistics were compiled from the findings of the continuous General Household Survey.
The survey for June - August 2005 covered a sample of some 25 000 households or 76 000 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 next issue of the report covering the quarter July - September 2005 will be available for sale at HK$42 by end November 2005. Both print version and download version of the publication can be purchased online at the "Statistical Bookstore, Hong Kong" (http://www.statisticalbookstore.gov.hk). Download version of the publication can be purchased at 75% of its original price exclusively at the online Statistical Bookstore. Print version if purchased online is also offered a discount, at 85% of its original price at the Statistical Bookstore as well as the Government Bookstore (Address : http://www.isd.gov.hk/eng/bookorder.htm).
For purchase of print version, this can also be done through mail order by returning a completed order form which can be downloaded from the website of the Census and Statistics Department (http://www.info.gov.hk/censtatd/eng/prod_serv/forms_index.html). Purchase can also be made in person at the Publications Unit of the Department (Address: 19/F, Wanchai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Wan Chai; Tel.: 2582 3025).
Enquiries for more detailed labour force statistics for May - July 2005 can be directed to the General Household Survey Section (2), Census and Statistics Department at Tel: 2887 5506.
Ends/Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Issued at HKT 16:16
NNNN