Unemployment rate in Hong Kong remained at 3.2% in June – August 2008.

According to the latest labour force statistics released by the Census and Statistics Department, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was kept at 3.2% in June – August 2008, the same as the figures in May – July 2008.

Comparing the two periods, decreases in the unemployment rate were mainly in decoration and maintenance, communications, and manufacturing sectors, whereas increases were in sanitary services, education services, and welfare and community services.

The underemployment rate was also kept at 1.8% in both periods. Decreases were mainly in foundation and superstructure construction, and retail trade, offsetting the increases in decoration and maintenance, and personal services.

The statistics show that the total employment increased by 13,100 to 3,546,300 in June – August 2008. The labour force also increased by 17,600 to an all-time high of 3,675,400. The number of unemployed persons increased by 4,500 to 129,100, whereas the number of underemployed persons decreased by 900 to 69,000.

The government commented that the total labour force has increased to an all-time high because of the increased number of fresh graduates and school leavers entering the labour market.