Unemployment rate fell to 3.6% in December-February 2011

This is the lowest level since July-September 2008, according to the figures released by the Census & Statistics Department.

According to Hong Kong Information Services Department, the Census & Statistics Department said that the underemployment rate also dropped by 0.1% to 1.7%.

Falls in the unemployment rate were mainly seen in the insurance, food and beverage service activities, and retail sectors. Falls in the underemployment rate were mainly seen in the construction and education sectors.

Total employment declined from 3,582,100 to 3,575,500 while the labour force declined from 3,712,300 to 3,698,700.

The number of underemploymet people declined by 5,400 to 61,600.

Secretary for Labour & Welfare Matthew Cheung said the unemployment rate is expected to remain at low levels in the next few months because employers generally are still adopting a positive attitude toward staff hiring.

"Although the local economy has remained robust, we must remain vigilant and monitor developments closely given the uncertainties in the external environment, including the possible economic impact from the earthquake in Japan and the political unrest in the Middle East."