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According to the latest labour force statistics released today (July 17) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 3.3% (provisional figure) in April - June 2008, same as that in March - May 2008. Meanwhile, the underemployment rate increased slightly from 1.8% to 1.9% (provisional figure) over the same period.
Comparing April - June 2008 with March - May 2008, decreases in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) were mainly observed in the restaurants and hotels, communications, and miscellaneous personal services sectors, while increases were more apparent in the construction and insurance sectors. As to the underemployment rate, increases were mainly seen in the transport, and welfare and community services sectors.
Total employment decreased by around 1 200, from 3 533 700 in March - May 2008 to 3 532 500 (provisional figure) in April - June 2008. Over the same period, the labour force decreased by around 1 900, from 3 655 800 to 3 653 900 (provisional figure).
The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) decreased by around 600, from 122 100 in March - May 2008 to 121 500 (provisional figure) in April - June 2008. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons increased by around 600, from 67 200 to 67 800 (provisional figure).
Commentary
The labour market remained broadly stable in April - June 2008, with most of the key labour statistics showing very little changes. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stayed at 3.3% in April - June 2008, the lowest level in the recent ten years. Meanwhile, the underemployment rate edged up to 1.9% in April - June 2008.
The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, noted that the labour market remained active.
In June 2008, the Labour Department (LD) posted 51 845 private sector vacancies, up 24.3% over the same period last year. On average, the Department processed about 2 600 vacancies per working day.
In the first half of this year, LD posted 330 087 private sector vacancies, a significant increase of 32.4% over the same period last year.
"Although our employment situation has been steadily improving, there is no room for complacency given the uncertainties in the external economic environment and the local skills mismatch problem.
"In the next few months, with the entry of fresh graduates and school leavers in the employment market, the near-term employment outlook will mainly hinge on whether the pace of job creation in the economy is sufficient to absorb the newcomers," Mr Cheung said.
He added that the Government would continue to strengthen its employment-related services on all fronts, especially enhancing the skills and quality of our workforce.
Further Information
The unemployment and underemployment statistics were compiled from the findings of the continuous General Household Survey.
The survey for April - June 2008 covered a sample of some 24 000 households or 72 000 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 January - March 2008 is now available and the next issue covering the quarter April - June 2008 will be available by end August 2008. 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/index.jsp).
Print version of the current issue of this publication is available for sale at HK$57 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 March - May 2008 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, July 17, 2008
Issued at HKT 16:15
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