XN000022-1996-10-15 — Page 4

· 3

Commenting on the latest figures, a government spokesman said labour market conditions continued to improve in recent months. In particular, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate has edged lower for five months in a row.

For the latest period July to September 1996, decreases in the unemployment rate were observed in most of the major sectors, including manufacturing, transport, restaurants and hotels, wholesale and retail trades, and community, social and personal services.

As to the underemployment rate, decline occurred in the construction sector. The underemployment rate in the other major sectors remained broadly stable.

In the three months ending August 1996, total labour supply grew by 0.7% over a year earlier, while total employment rose relatively faster, by 1.5%. As the growth in total employment continued to outpace that in total labour supply, the overall unemployment rate fell further in recent months.

During the period June to August 1996, the number of unemployed persons with previous jobs was estimated at 74,300. Another 12,100 unemployed persons were first time job seekers. The number of underemployed persons was estimated at 44,700.

The unemployment and underemployment statistics were obtained from a continuous general household survey.

The survey for June to August 1996 covered a quarterly sample of some 23,000 households or 78,300 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 September 1996 will be on sale at the Government Publications Centre at ground floor, Low Block, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong, by the end of December.

End