Unemployment rate in Hong Kong has remained the lowest in recent ten years.

According to the latest labour force statistics released by the Census and Statistics Department, unemployment rate in Hong Kong remained at 3.3% in April – June, the same as that in March – May 2008.

Comparing the two periods, decreases in unemployment rate were mainly in restaurants and hotels, communications, and personal services, whereas increases were in construction and insurance.

Underemployment rate has slightly increased from 1.8% to 1.9%. Increases were in transport, and welfare and community services. As for the total employment, it has decreased by 1,200 to 3,532,500. The labour force has decreased by 1,900 to 3,653,900 in April – June 2008.

The number of unemployed persons decreased by 600 to 121,500, and the number of underemployed persons increased by 600 to 67,800.

The government commented that the labour market has remained stable. Yet, with the entry of fresh graduates and school leavers in the career market in the next few months, changes in the employment situation will depend on whether companies will provide enough job vacancies to absorb the newcomers.