The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined from 5.2% in January-March to a 56-month low of 5.1% in February-April, according to the latest labour-force statistics from the Census & Statistics Department released today. The underemployment rate nudged up from 2.3% to 2.4% in the same period.

Comparing February-April with January-March, falls in the jobless rate were seen mainly in the decoration and maintenance, insurance, and retail-trade sectors.

The increases in the underemployment rate were concentrated in manufacturing, hotels and education services.

Total employment rose by about 1, 300, from 3,426,200 in January-March to 3,427,500 in February-April. Over the same period, the labour force grew by about 1,800, from 3,606,700 to 3,608,500.

The number of jobless people increased by around 500, from 180,500 in January-March to 181,000 in February-April. At the same time, the number of underemployed rose by about 3,400, from 82,600 to 86,000.

The labour market remained stable in February-April. Compared with January-March, both total employment and the labour force grew only modestly, while the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged down to a 56-month low of 5.1%.

The near-term outlook depends on the overall economic growth, and in particular the pace of job creation in the private sector - especially during the summer months, for absorbing fresh graduates and school leavers.

In April, the Labour Department received 39,187 private-sector vacancies, up 3.9% over the same month last year.  On average, about 2,000 vacancies were received on each working day.

To respond flexibly to employers' recruitment needs and help job-seekers find work quickly, the Labour Department will organise 13 job fairs and 50 district-based job fairs this year.  The next one will be held at the Central Library on June 7.

The unemployment and underemployment statistics were compiled from the findings of the continuous General Household Survey.

The survey for February-April covered about 23,000 households with about 73,000 people.

Detailed analysis of labour-force characteristics is given in the "Quarterly Report on General Household Survey" which is published four times a year. The report covering the quarter January-March will be available for sale at $43 by the end of the month.

Both print and download versions can be purchased online at the Statistical Bookstore, Hong Kong.

An order form for the print version can also be downloaded from the Census & Statistics Department website. They are also available for sale from the department's publications unit on the 19/F, Wanchai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Wan Chai. Questions? Call 2582 3025.