Unemployment rate fell to 3.8% in November-January 2011

However, underemployment rate continued to show no improvement as it remained at 1.8 percent.

According to Hong Kong Information Services Department, the figures released by the Census & Statistics Department shows that falls in the unemployment rate were mainly observed in the decoration, repair and maintenance for buildings; information and communications; and, transportation sectors.

Decreases in the underemployment rate were mainly seen in the foundation and superstructure, and real estate sectors, offsetting increases in the decoration, repair and maintenance for buildings, and the arts, entertainment and recreation sectors.

For young people aged 15-24, the unemployment rate was down 0.7 of a percentage point to 10.7%. The jobless rate of the construction sector continued to improve and fell 0.3 of a percentage point to 4.5%.

Secretary for Labour & Welfare Matthew Cheung said total employment maintained its strong growth trend in 2011, thanks to robust business activities and labour demand in the run-up to the Lunar New Year holiday.

“According to the latest vacancy data and business survey feedback, employers generally are still adopting a positive attitude towards hiring. More new jobs are therefore expected. The unemployment rate is expected to remain at low levels in the near term.”

The external environment, especially the lackluster performance of the advanced economies and the sovereign debt crisis in the Euro zone, remains a cause for concern, he added.