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According to the latest labour force statistics released today (November 17) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 5.3% in July - September 2009 to 5.2% (provisional figure) in August - October 2009. The underemployment rate remained unchanged at 2.4% (provisional figure for August - October 2009).
Comparing August - October 2009 with July - September 2009, decreases in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) were mainly observed in the construction, food services, insurance and wholesale sectors. As to the underemployment rate, decreases were mainly seen in the food services as well as warehousing and support activities for transportation sectors, offsetting increases in the foundation and superstructure, and arts, entertainment and recreation sectors.
Total employment decreased by around 7 200, from 3 495 500 in July - September 2009 to 3 488 300 (provisional figure) in August - October 2009. Over the same period, the labour force decreased by around 26 000, from 3 704 700 to 3 678 700 (provisional figure).
The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) decreased by around 18 700 from 209 100 in July - September 2009 to 190 400 (provisional figure) in August - October 2009. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons decreased by around 1 000 from 89 900 to 88 900 (provisional figure).
Commentary
Along with the economic recovery, the labour market has continued to show signs of improvement, as reflected by a further decrease in the latest seasonally adjusted unemployment rate.
The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, said, "In particular, the unemployment rate of youths aged 15-19 dropped notably by 3.0 percentage points to 22.7%, indicating that the youth employment situation is gradually improving.
"The unemployment rate of the construction sector has also continued to fall, with the latest figure at 7.9%, down by 1.5 percentage points.
"The decoration and maintenance sub-sector decreased markedly by 2.2 percentage points to 8.6%, accumulating a total decrease of 13.0 percentage points over six consecutive periods, while the foundation and superstructure sub-sector fell by 1.1 percentage points to 7.7%.
"It is clear that the Government's all-out efforts to create jobs in the construction sector are continuing to bear fruit."
Looking ahead, Mr Cheung said that the near-term outlook would depend mainly on the pace of economic recovery and job creation.
"As business conditions continue to improve, employers are expected to adopt a more positive attitude towards new hiring. This will ease the pressure on unemployment. Nevertheless, the decrease in total employment in the latest round of figures suggests that it may take some time for the labour market to keep up with the pace of economic rebound.
"A sustained and solid recovery still hinges on a fundamental improvement in the external environment. We will remain vigilant and continue to monitor closely the labour market situation," he added.
The number of private sector vacancies posted by the Labour Department decreased by 8.6% to 55 766 in October 2009 from 60 998 in the preceding month. However, the number of successful placements rose from 11 172 in September 2009 to 11 545 over the same period, up by 3.3%.
Further Information
The unemployment and underemployment statistics were compiled from the findings of the continuous General Household Survey.
The survey for August - October 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 April - June 2009 is now available and the next issue covering the quarter July - September 2009 will be available by end November 2009. 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 July - September 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, November 17, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:30
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