According to the latest labour force statistics (i.e. provisional figures for December 2014 - February 2015) released today (March 17) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 3.3% in December 2014 - February 2015, same as that in November 2014 - January 2015. The underemployment rate decreased from 1.6% in November 2014 - January 2015 to 1.5% in December 2014 - February 2015.
Comparing December 2014 - February 2015 with November 2014 - January 2015, movements in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) in various industry sectors varied. Increases were mainly observed in the arts, entertainment and recreation sector and the repair, laundry, domestic and other personal service activities sector, while decreases were mainly seen in the information and communications sector and the foundation and superstructure works of the construction sector. As to the underemployment rate, decreases were mainly observed in the construction, transportation, food and beverage service activities, and retail sectors.
Total employment in December 2014 - February 2015 increased by around 5,700 from 3,801,800 in November 2014 - January 2015 to 3,807,500 in December 2014 - February 2015. Over the same period, the labour force also increased by around 7,100 from 3,922,200 to 3,929,300.
The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) increased by around 1,300 from 120,500 in November 2014 - January 2015 to 121,800 in December 2014 - February 2015. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons decreased by around 4,900 from 62,200 in November 2014 - January 2015 to 57,300 in December 2014 - February 2015.
Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, said, "The labour market held broadly stable in December 2014 - February 2015, with the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate staying at the low level of 3.3% for the eighth consecutive period. Both total employment and labour force grew further over a year earlier."
On the short-term outlook, Mr Cheung said, "As it is customary for employers to conduct their annual review of staffing position after the Lunar New Year, the near-term employment outlook will continue to hinge on the overall economic situation and business sentiment, in particular the performance of the consumption and tourism-related sectors down the road. We will stay vigilant and closely monitor development in the labour market."
Comparing December 2014 - February 2015 with November 2014 - January 2015, movements in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) in various industry sectors varied. Increases were mainly observed in the arts, entertainment and recreation sector and the repair, laundry, domestic and other personal service activities sector, while decreases were mainly seen in the information and communications sector and the foundation and superstructure works of the construction sector. As to the underemployment rate, decreases were mainly observed in the construction, transportation, food and beverage service activities, and retail sectors.
Total employment in December 2014 - February 2015 increased by around 5,700 from 3,801,800 in November 2014 - January 2015 to 3,807,500 in December 2014 - February 2015. Over the same period, the labour force also increased by around 7,100 from 3,922,200 to 3,929,300.
The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) increased by around 1,300 from 120,500 in November 2014 - January 2015 to 121,800 in December 2014 - February 2015. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons decreased by around 4,900 from 62,200 in November 2014 - January 2015 to 57,300 in December 2014 - February 2015.
Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, said, "The labour market held broadly stable in December 2014 - February 2015, with the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate staying at the low level of 3.3% for the eighth consecutive period. Both total employment and labour force grew further over a year earlier."
On the short-term outlook, Mr Cheung said, "As it is customary for employers to conduct their annual review of staffing position after the Lunar New Year, the near-term employment outlook will continue to hinge on the overall economic situation and business sentiment, in particular the performance of the consumption and tourism-related sectors down the road. We will stay vigilant and closely monitor development in the labour market."
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