Unemployment and Underemployment Statistics for March - May 2011

Hong Kong (HKSAR) - According to the latest labour force statistics released  on June 16, 2011 by the Census and Statistics Department, HKSAR Govt., the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 3.5% (provisional figure) in March - May 2011, same as that in February - April 2011.The underemployment rate also remained unchanged at 1.9% in the two periods (provisional figure).

Comparing March - May 2011 with February - April 2011, decreases in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) were mainly observed in the wholesale, foundation and superstructure, as well as manufacturing sectors, while increases were more apparent in the decoration, repair and maintenance for buildings, warehousing and support activities for transportation, and food and beverage service activities sectors.As to the underemployment rate, decreases were mainly seen in the arts, entertainment and recreation sector, offsetting increases in the decoration, repair and maintenance for buildings sector.

Total employment increased by around 15 000 from 3 585 500 in February - April 2011 to 3 600 500 (provisional figure) in March - May 2011.Over the same period, the labour force increased by around 17 800 from 3 717 500 to 3 735 300 (provisional figure).

The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) increased by around 3 000 from 131 900 in February - April 2011 to 134 900 (provisional figure) in March - May 2011.Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons increased by around 700 from 68 900 to 69 600 (provisional figure).

Detailed analysis of labour force characteristics is given in the "Quarterly Report on General Household Survey" which is published four times a year.The current issue of the publication covering the quarter January - March 2011 is now available and the next issue covering the quarter April - June 2011 will be available by end August 2011.Users can download this publication free of charge at the website of the Census and Statistics Department (www.censtatd.gov.hk/products_and_services/products/publications/statistical_report/labour/index.jsp).

Enquiries for more detailed labour force statistics for February - April 2011 can be directed to the General Household Survey Section (2), Census and Statistics Department (Tel.: 2887 5508; Fax: 2508 1501; E-mail: ghs@censtatd.gov.hk).

Source: HKSAR Government