XN000022-1995-04-18 — Page 3

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Unemployment and Underemployment Statistics for December 1994 - February 1995

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for December 1994 - February 1995 was 2.5%, and the underemployment rate was 1.5%, according to the latest labour force statistics released today (Tuesday) by the Census and Statistics Department.

The provisional seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the period of January March 1995 was 2.8%, while the provisional underemployment rate was

1.4%.

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Commenting on these figures, a Government spokesman said the rise in the unemployment rate was partly due to workers quitting jobs at around the Chinese New Year to seek jobs with better terms of employment, but in part it was also due to lay- offs.

Nevertheless, the continued low underemployment rate suggested a generally high intensity of manpower utilisation for those in employment.

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During the period of December 1994 February 1995, the number of unemployed persons, adjusted for seasonal variations in the proportion of first-time job-seekers in the labour force, was estimated at 73,500, while the number of underemployed persons was estimated at 43,800.

The unemployment and underemployment statistics were obtained from a continuous General Household Survey conducted by the Census and Statistics Department.

The survey for December 1994 February 1995 covered a quarterly sample of some 12,600 households or 42,900 persons, selected scientifically to represent the land-based civilian non-institutional population in Hong Kong.

Relevant data were obtained from the survey by interviewing each individual 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.

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 March 1995 will be available at the Government Publications Centre by the end of June at $32 a copy.

End/Tuesday, April 18, 1995