The February-April jobless rate in Hong Kong remained stable at 4.3 percent, while the underemployment rate fell from 2.2 percent to 2.1 percent, the lowest level in more than nine years, according to official figures on Thursday.

Falls in the jobless rate were mainly observed in the decoration and maintenance, retail trade and education services sectors, while increases were more apparent in the amusement and recreational services, sanitary services and restaurants sectors, said the Census and Statistics Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government.

As to the underemployment rate, falls were mainly seen in the decoration and maintenance, sanitary services and manufacturing sectors.

Total employment rose by 1,300, from 3,459,400 in January-March to 3,460,700. The labor force grew by 5,000 to 3,616,900. February-April saw the number of jobless people rise by 3,800 to 156,300. The number of underemployed people fell by 3,000 to 77,600.

The department said while total employment showed a modest expansion, this was more than offset by a larger increase in the labor force. As a result, the number of unemployed people rose moderately.

Nevertheless, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged at a near nine-year low of 4.3 percent. The underemployment rate edged down to 2.1 percent, the lowest in over nine years, said the department.

(Xinhua News Agency May 18, 2007)