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During the period April to June 1996, the number of unemployed persons with previous jobs was estimated at 86,200. Another 6,400 unemployed persons were first time job seekers. The number of underemployed persons was estimated at 56,900.
The unemployment and underemployment statistics were obtained from a continuous General Household Survey.
The survey for April to June 1996 covered a quarterly sample of some 23,400 households or 79,300 persons, selected scientifically to represent the land-based civilian non-institutional population in Hong Kong. Data were obtained from the survey by interviewing each member aged 15 or over in the households sampled.
In the survey, the definitions used in measuring unemployment and underemployment follow closely those recommended by the International Labour Organisation.
'Seasonally adjusted' refers to adjustment for seasonal variations in the proportion of first time job seekers in the labour force.
Detailed analysis of labour force characteristics is given in the report on the General Household Survey which is published four times a year.
The next report covering the quarter ending June 1996 will be on sale at the Government Publications Centre at ground floor, Low Block, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong, by the end of September.
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Food recall guidelines published
A food recall guidelines which sets out actions that should be taken when food products have to be removed from supply or use by consumers was recently published by the Department of Health (DH) and issued to major food suppliers in Hong Kong.
Introducing the guidelines, DH's Senior Administrative Officer (Hygiene), Mr Patrick Li, said similar to other consumer products, food might be recalled due to presence of defects or the possibility of causing harm to the consumer.