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Unemployment and underemployment statistics
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the period March - May was provisionally estimated at 2.9%, according to the latest labour force statistics released today (Thursday) by the Census and Statistics Department.
This was lower than the corresponding unemployment rate of 3.1% for the period February - April. The unemployment rate for this period was revised upward slightly from the earlier provisional estimate of 3.0%.
The underemployment rate, on the other hand, moved higher, from 1.5% in February - April to a provisional estimate of 1.9% in March - May.
Commenting on the latest figures, a Government spokesman said the recent rise in the unemployment rate was apparently tapering off. As regards the underemployment rate, this might be a result of some of the workers taking up part- time jobs and temporary jobs, when faced with reduced opportunities for full-time jobs in the labour market.
During the period of February - April, the number of unemployed persons was estimated at 84,600. Of this, 4,200 were first-time job-seckers. The number of underemployed persons was estimated at 45,600.
The unemployment and underemployment statistics were obtained from a continuous General Household Survey conducted by the Census and Statistics Department.
The survey for February - April covered a quarterly sample of some 12,600 households or 43,100 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 will be available at the Government Publications Centre by the end of June at $32.00 a copy.
End/Thursday, June 15, 1995
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