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Unemployment problem
Following is a speech by the acting Secretary for Education and Manpower, Miss Jacqueline Willis, in the motion debate on unemployment problem in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
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Mr President,
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Yesterday, the Governor convened a summit meeting to discuss employment issues. The meeting is not a political show as implied by Mr Fred Li. It was a genuine desire to bring together representatives of employers and employees and Legislative Council Members who all share a common concern. It is that common concern that has prompted today's motion debate on unemployment.
The Unemployment Situation
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For many years, Hong Kong has been blessed with virtually full employment. However, in recent months, we have seen a rise in the number of people unemployed. Our latest unemployment rate of 3%, whilst low and enviable by international standards, is the highest in the past 9 years. It is natural and understandable that we, as a community should be worried about this phenomenon. However, we should not let ourselves be panicked into taking "emergency" quick fixed measures no matter how well-intended the motivations may be. To do so could be counter productive and could trigger off further retrenchment and push more industries to relocate.
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The issues are complicated. We need to find out the underlying causes for the increase in the number of people in the labour market looking for jobs. We also need to find out why the vacancies in the job market are not snapped up by the people looking for jobs.
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