The unemployment rate in Hong Kong remained at 3.3% in March – May 2008, the same as the figure recorded in February – April 2008.

According to the latest labour force statistics released by the Census and Statistics Department, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was recorded 3.3%, the lowest level in the recent ten years. Comparing March – May with February – April 2008, decreases in unemployment rate were mainly in construction, sanitary services and transport sectors, whereas increases were more obvious in amusement and recreational services, restaurants and retail trade.

It is reported that underemployment rate also remained stable at 1.8%. Decreases were mainly in communications and personal services, offsetting the increases in decoration and maintenance, and amusement and recreational services.

Total employment decreased by 2,100 to 3,535,200 in March – May 2008. The labour force has decreased by 900 to 3,657,300. The number of unemployed persons increased by 1,200 to 122,100, and the underemployed persons increased by 1,400 to 67,200.

The government comments that both the labour force and total employment have slightly increased, and the unemployment rate and underemployment rate were at the lowest level in ten years. With more fresh graduates entering the labour market in the months to come, labour supply is expected to increase at a faster pace. Changes in the unemployment rate will depend on the pace of job creation in the market to absorb the new batch of job seekers.