Unemployment down to 3.2% in June-August

Over the same period total employment increased by almost 11,000.

The Census and Statistics Department said, “The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 3.4% in May - July 2011 to 3.2% (provisional figure) in June - August 2011. The underemployment rate increased from 1.7% in May - July 2011 to 1.8% (provisional figure) in June - August 2011.”

Decreases in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted), according to the Department, were mainly observed in the construction, warehousing and support activities for transportation, food and beverage service activities, and professional and business services (excluding cleaning and similar activities) sectors.

“Total employment increased by around 10,800 from 3,625,800 in May - July 2011 to 3,636,600 (provisional figure) in June - August 2011. Over the same period, the labour force increased by around 3,600 from 3,763,000 to 3,766,600 (provisional figure),” added C&SD’s report.

The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) decreased by around 7,200 in June - August 2011.