The February-April jobless rate in Hong Kong remained stable at
4.3 percent, while the underemployment rate fell from 2.2 percent
to 2.1 percent, the lowest level in more than nine years, according
to official figures on Thursday.
Falls in the jobless rate were mainly observed in the decoration
and maintenance, retail trade and education services sectors, while
increases were more apparent in the amusement and recreational
services, sanitary services and restaurants sectors, said the
Census and Statistics Department of the Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region government.
As to the underemployment rate, falls were mainly seen in the
decoration and maintenance, sanitary services and manufacturing
sectors.
Total employment rose by 1,300, from 3,459,400 in January-March
to 3,460,700. The labor force grew by 5,000 to 3,616,900.
February-April saw the number of jobless people rise by 3,800 to
156,300. The number of underemployed people fell by 3,000 to
77,600.
The department said while total employment showed a modest
expansion, this was more than offset by a larger increase in the
labor force. As a result, the number of unemployed people rose
moderately.
Nevertheless, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained
unchanged at a near nine-year low of 4.3 percent. The
underemployment rate edged down to 2.1 percent, the lowest in over
nine years, said the department.
(Xinhua News Agency May 18, 2007)