130 Employment
Labour Market Situation
―
52.5
Hong Kong's labour force comprised 3.7 million people in 2011 per cent men and 47.5 per cent women, representing a rise of 2 per cent over 2010.
The majority, or 88.5 per cent, of people employed were in the service sectors: 31.8 per cent in the import/export, wholesale and retail trades, and accommodation (covering hotels, guesthouses, boarding houses and other establishments providing short-term accommodation) and food services; 25.9 per cent in public administration, and social and personal services; 19.3 per cent in financing and insurance, real estate, and professional and business services; and 11.5 per cent in transportation, storage, postal and courier services, and information and communications. Only 3.2 per cent worked in the manufacturing sector.
Employment Situation
The labour market showed further improvement in 2011. The overall unemployment rate fell from 4.3 per cent in 2010 to 3.4 per cent in 2011, while the underemployment rate also declined from 2 per cent in 2010 to 1.7 per cent in 2011. Total employment rose by about 102 300, from 3 474 100 in 2010 to 3 576 400 in 2011.
Employment Earnings
In 2011, 12.6 per cent of people with jobs were earning less than $5,000 a month, while the percentage of people earning $30,000 and above was 14.9. The median monthly employment earnings rose by $300 from $11,000 in 2010 to $11,300 in 2011. In 2011, the median monthly employment earnings for higher skilled workers such as managers and administrators, professionals and associate professionals was $22,000, while those with lower skills was $8,500.
Wages
Owing to buoyant labour demand and implementation of a statutory minimum wage, wage rates as measured by Nominal Wage Index for workers up to supervisory level increased by 9.4 per cent between December 2010 and December 2011. After discounting changes in consumer prices, wage rates showed an increase of 3.9 per cent in real terms.
Labour Administration and Services
The Labour Department is headed by the Commissioner for Labour. It formulates and implements labour policies; enforces labour legislation, provides free employment services to employers and job seekers; promotes harmonious labour relations and responsible trade unionism; safeguards employees' rights and benefits; and promotes the occupational safety, health and welfare of the workforce.
Labour Legislation
The Labour Department administers Hong Kong's labour laws. Labour legislation, supplemented by administrative measures, provides the basis for the