Total employment in Hong Kong increased in June 2008 compared with a year earlier.

According to the figures released by the Census and Statistics Department, total employment in the private sector increased by 2.1% or 49,900 persons in June 2008 compared with 2007.

Increases in employment were recorded in finance and insurance (7.2% or 12,400 persons), medical and health services (4.6% or 3,800), business services (4.5% or 10,200), education services and research institutes (3.5% or 5,100) and recreational and personal services (3.5% or 4,100). On the other hand, decreases were found in wholesale trade (-3.7% or –2,500), manufacturing (-3.2% or –5,100) and at construction sites (-3.0% or –1,500).