Unemployment rate stands at 3.5%

The labour force grew by 17,800 to almost 4 million in March-May.

Decreases in the unemployment rate were mainly observed in the wholesale, foundation and superstructure, as well as manufacturing sectors, while increases were more apparent in the decoration, repair and maintenance for buildings, warehousing and support activities for transportation, and food and beverage service activities sectors, said a news.gov.hk report.

According to the report, Secretary for Labour & Welfare Matthew Cheung said labour demand is expected to remain firm in the near term, which should help cushion the impact arising from the increasing labour supply.

The number of private-sector vacancies the Labour Department posted in May rose 12.3% to 65,943, up 7.9%, compared to the same period in 2010.

View the full report here.