************************************************************
According to the latest labour force statistics released today (December 17) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 5.2% in August - October 2009 to 5.1% (provisional figure) in September - November 2009. Meanwhile, the underemployment rate rose from 2.4% to 2.5% (provisional figure).
Comparing September - November 2009 with August - October 2009, decreases in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) were mainly observed in the wholesale; retail, accommodation and food services; and decoration and maintenance sectors. As to the underemployment rate, increases were mainly seen in the construction, and professional and business services sectors.
Total employment increased by around 9 300, from 3 488 300 in August - October 2009 to 3 497 600 (provisional figure) in September - November 2009. Over the same period, the labour force decreased slightly from 3 678 700 to 3 678 600 (provisional figure).
The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) decreased by around 9 400 from 190 400 in August - October 2009 to 181 000 (provisional figure) in September - November 2009. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons increased by around 1 300 from 88 900 to 90 200 (provisional figure).
Commentary
With the steady recovery of the economy, the unemployment situation has further improved with the latest figure falling for three consecutive periods. In particular, the unemployment rate of the construction sector has dropped for seven consecutive months to 7.6%, while those of all age groups also decreased across-the-board. The decreases were more noticeable in the 15-19 and 20-24 age groups, by 1.1 percentage points to 21.6% and 0.9 percentage point to 11.5% respectively. This shows that the youth unemployment situation is improving gradually.
The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, said,
"Total employment reverted to an increase by more than 9 000 in September - November, indicating that the employment situation has started to recover. Looking ahead, as business activities are expected to pick up around Christmas and the New Year, labour demand is likely to increase further during the festive season, which should in turn ease the pressure on the unemployment rate in the near term."
He noted that the continued recovery of the labour market would hinge on the overall business performance and, in particular, the capacity and pace of job creation in the corporate sector.
Mr Cheung said, "With the commencement of construction of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the expansion of Disneyland, it is expected that the employment situation of the construction sector will improve continuously. In addition, the measure to allow non-Guangdong residents ordinarily residing in Shenzhen to apply for Individual Visit endorsements in Shenzhen to visit Hong Kong will also help boost consumption and the local economy.
"Nevertheless, given the uncertainty over the economic outlook, we shall remain vigilant and continue to closely monitor the labour market situation."
The number of private sector vacancies posted by the Labour Department increased by 1.4% to 56 572 in November 2009 from 55 766 in the preceding month, while the number of successful placements rose from 11 545 to 12 004, up by 4.0%.
Further Information
The unemployment and underemployment statistics were compiled from the findings of the continuous General Household Survey.
The survey for September - November 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 July - September 2009 is now available and the next issue covering the quarter October - December 2009 will be available by end February 2010. 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 August - October 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/Thursday, December 17, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:31
NNNN