This is the unedited press release from the Census and Statistics Department


According to the latest labour force statistics released today (May 19) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 5.2% in January – March 2009 to 5.3% (provisional figure) in February – April 2009. Meanwhile, the underemployment rate increased from 2.1% to 2.2% (provisional figure) over the same period.

Comparing February – April 2009 with January – March 2009, increases in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) were mainly observed in the construction, food services and manufacturing sectors. As to the underemployment rate, increases were mainly seen in the construction and wholesale sectors.

Total employment decreased by around 5 500, from 3 507 600 in January – March 2009 to 3 502 100 (provisional figure) in February – April 2009. Over the same period, the labour force increased by around 4 100, from 3 694 900 to an all-time high of 3 699 000 (provisional figure).

The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) increased by around 9 700, from 187 200 in January – March 2009 to 196 900 (provisional figure) in February – April 2009. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons increased by around 700, from 79 200 to 79 900 (provisional figure).

Commentary

Although there were signs that the rise in the unemployment rate was tapering, labour market conditions remained slack. The labour force continued to grow by 4 100, while total employment contracted by 5 500. As a result, the number of unemployed persons increased further by 9 700 to 196 900. After discounting the seasonal factor, the unemployment rate increased from 5.2% to 5.3%.

The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, said that the unemployment rate was expected to remain high in the short term as the labour market demand remained weak under the deepening impact of the economic recession. The human swine influenza has also emerged as a new source of uncertainty and pressure on the labour market.

Mr Cheung said, “We will continue to adhere to our strategy of ‘stabilising the financial system, supporting enterprises and preserving employment’. To preserve employment, we will continue to promote infrastructure projects. The Administration plans to apply for funding from the Legislative Council (LegCo) for works projects worth $100 billion before the recess of the current LegCo session.

“At present, we have already secured funding approval amounting to $52 billion from the LegCo Public Works Subcommittee. We believe that these projects will create employment opportunities shortly and give fresh impetus to the economy. Moreover, we expect that our economy and labour situation will improve alongside the implementation of the major infrastructure projects next year.

“On our employment services, the LegCo Finance Committee has recently approved a new commitment of $398.6 million for enhancing various employment programmes. The Labour Department (LD) will launch the enhanced and integrated employment programmes as soon as possible to help relieve the pressure on employment.”

He noted that to facilitate local residents in seeking jobs, LD would hold large-scale job fairs at Fantasy Island, Maritime Square, Tsing Yi on 25-27 May and Fu Tung Shopping Centre, Fu Tung Estate, Tung Chung on June 5, which together would offer over 4 000 vacancies.

“As pledged by the Chief Executive, a further round of relief measures will be announced by the Government within a month. This should ease the pressure on employment,” Mr Cheung stressed.

In April 2009, LD netted over 45 000 vacancies from the private sector, down 30.5% over the same period last year and 10.1% over March 2009. On average, the Department received about 2 200 vacancies per working day.


Available at:

http://www.censtatd.gov.hk/press_release/press_releases_on_statistics/index.jsp?sID=2334&sSUBID=13732&displayMode=D