According to the latest labour force statistics (i.e. provisional figures for February – April 2018) released today (May 17) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 2.9% in January – March 2018 to 2.8% in February – April 2018. The underemployment rate remained unchanged at 1.0% in the two periods.
 
     Comparing February – April 2018 with January – March 2018, movements in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) in different industry sectors varied, with a relatively notable decrease observed in the education sector.
 
     Total employment decreased by around 5 800 from 3 872 400 in January – March 2018 to 3 866 600 in February – April 2018. Over the same period, the labour force also decreased by around 4 900 from 3 984 400 to 3 979 500.
 
     The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) increased by around 800 from 112 100 in January – March 2018 to 112 900 in February – April 2018. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons also increased by around 2 200 from 38 900 to 41 100.
           
Commentary
 
     Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong, said, "The labour market tightened further in February – April 2018 on the back of robust economic conditions. The unemployment rate (seasonally adjusted) edged down by 0.1 percentage point to 2.8%, the lowest level in more than 20 years. The underemployment rate likewise stayed low at 1.0%. Total employment continued to record appreciable growth on a year-on-year basis."
 
     "Compared to the preceding three-month period, a more notable decrease in unemployment rate was seen in the education sector. On a year-on-year comparison to net out seasonal influences, most major service sectors showed visible improvement in unemployment situation. In particular, jobless rates in the financing sector as well as the trade- and tourism-related segments posted discernible declines, thanks to the buoyant economic environment and continued recovery of tourist arrivals."
 
     Looking ahead, Dr Law said, "Overall labour market conditions will likely remain tight in the near term amid the prevailing positive economic environment. Yet, we will stay vigilant and closely monitor the relevant developments."
 
     He noted that the Labour Department (LD) launched a special programme –"Career Let's go" from May to August to help this year's secondary school leavers find suitable work through a series of tailor-made activities. The "Youth Employment Start" resource centres will organise various training courses and an interactive drama to enhance the job-hunting skills of graduates as well as help them unleash their potential at work and learn the true value of working; and provide school leavers with career assessment and career consultation services. The LD will also canvass job vacancies suitable for secondary school leavers and organise a number of large-scale and district-based job fairs during which job-seekers may have on-the-spot job interviews with the recruiting employers.
 
     On large-scale job fairs, the LD will co-organise the Hong Kong International Airport Career Expo 2018 with the Airport Authority Hong Kong at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from June 29 to July 1. Ample vacancies involving the aviation industry and airport operation will be provided. Moreover, a dedicated job expo for elderly care and rehabilitation services will be held on July 18 and 19 at MacPherson Stadium, Mong Kok. In addition, industry-based or district-based job fairs are regularly organised at the LD's industry-based recruitment centres and job centres located across the territory.
 
Further Information
 
     The unemployment and underemployment statistics were compiled from the findings of the continuous General Household Survey.
 
     The survey for February – April 2018 covered a sample of some 25 000 households or 75 000 persons, selected in accordance with a scientifically designed sampling scheme to represent the population of Hong Kong.
 
     Data on labour force characteristics were obtained from the survey by interviewing each member aged 15 or over in the sampled households.
 
     In the survey, the definitions used in measuring unemployment and underemployment follow closely those recommended by the International Labour Organization.
 
     Detailed analysis of labour force characteristics is given in the "Quarterly Report on General Household Survey" which is published four times a year. The latest issue of the publication contains statistics for the quarter October – December 2017 while the next issue covering the quarter January – March 2018 will be available by end-May 2018. Users can download this publication free of charge at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/hkstat/sub/sp200.jsp?productCode=B1050001).
 
     For enquiries about labour force statistics, please contact the Social Analysis and Research Section (2) of the C&SD (Tel: 2887 5508 or email: ghs@censtatd.gov.hk).

     The Transport Department today (May 17) announced that two auctions of traditional vehicle registration marks will be held on June 2 (Saturday) and 3 (Sunday), in Meeting Room S221, L2, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai.
 
     "A total of 280 vehicle registration marks will be put up for public sale at each auction. The lists of marks have been posted at the department's website, www.td.gov.hk," a department spokesman said.
 
     Applicants who have paid a deposit of $1,000 to reserve a mark for auction should also participate in the bidding (including the first bid at the reserve price of $1,000). Otherwise, the mark may be sold to another bidder at the reserve price.
 
     People who wish to participate in the bidding at the auction should take note of the following important points:
 
(a) Successful bidders are required to produce the following documents for completion of registration and payment procedures immediately after the successful bidding:
 
(i)     the identity document of the successful bidder;
(ii)    the identity document of the purchaser if it is different from the successful bidder;
(iii)   a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation if the purchaser is a body corporate; and
(iv)   a crossed cheque made payable to "The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region" or "The Government of the HKSAR". (For an auctioned mark paid for by cheque, the first three working days after the date of auction will be required for cheque clearance confirmation before processing of the application for mark assignment can be completed.) Successful bidders can also pay through the Easy Pay System (EPS). Payment by post-dated cheques, cash or other methods will not be accepted.
 
(b) Purchasers must make payment of the purchase price through EPS or by crossed cheque and complete the Memorandum of Sale of Registration Mark immediately after the bidding. Subsequent alteration of the particulars in the memorandum will not be permitted.
 
(c) A vehicle registration mark can only be assigned to a motor vehicle which is registered in the name of the purchaser. The Certificate of Incorporation must be produced immediately by the purchaser if a vehicle registration mark purchased is to be registered under the name of a body corporate.
 
(d) Special registration marks are non-transferable. Where the ownership of a motor vehicle with a special registration mark is transferred, the allocation of the special registration mark shall be cancelled.
 
(e) The purchaser shall, within 12 months after the date of auction, apply to the Commissioner for Transport for the registration mark to be assigned to a motor vehicle registered in the name of the purchaser. If the purchaser fails to assign the registration mark within 12 months, allocation of the mark will be cancelled and arranged for re-allocation in accordance with the statutory provision without prior notice to the purchaser.
 
     For other auction details, please refer to the Guidance Notes – Auction of Vehicle Registration Marks, which can be downloaded from the department's website, www.td.gov.hk.

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Thursday, May 17, 2018 is 99.4 (same as yesterday's index).

     The Drainage Services Department today (May 17) launched the Stage 2 Public Engagement for the Revitalisation of Tsui Ping River project to collect the public's views on the project and the updated revitalisation plan. Members of the public are invited to participate in the activities.

     The Revitalisation of Tsui Ping River project aims at revitalising the existing watercourse at King Yip Street into a green and vibrant Tsui Ping River through environmental, ecological and landscape enhancement as well as improving the river's connectivity with the neighbourhood, thus providing a riverine leisure space for the community. 

     The Stage 2 Public Engagement will last until July 16. Activities include roving exhibitions and community workshops. Details are available at the project website (www.tsuipingriver.hk). Members of the public may also express their views through the following channels:

Email: EnquiryTsuiPing@atkinsglobal.com
Fax: 2890 6343
Post: Drainage Services Department (Drainage Projects Division), 44/F, Revenue Tower, 5 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai (please specify "Revitalisation of Tsui Ping River")

     Following an update to ticketing arrangements, the start of ticket sales for the additional performances of six programmes at the International Arts Carnival (IAC) has been rescheduled to May 22 (Tuesday) at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). Details of the extra shows are as follows:

1. "Hansel & Gretel" by the Scottish Ballet (UK)
Date and time: July 7 (Saturday), 3pm
Venue: Hong Kong Cultural Centre Grand Theatre
Prices: $160, $220, $280, $380, $480

2. "Air Play" by Acrobuffos (US)
Date and time: July 22 (Sunday), 11am
Venue: Kwai Tsing Theatre Auditorium
Prices: $140, $200, $260

3. "SNAP" by Gruejarm Production (Korea)
Date and time: July 28 (Saturday), 3pm
Venue: Sha Tin Town Hall Auditorium
Prices: $160, $240, $320

4. "Bedtime Stories" by Upswing (UK)
Dates and times: July 31 to August 2 (Tuesday to Thursday), 7.30pm
            August 3 (Friday), 3pm
Venue: Hong Kong Cultural Centre Studio Theatre
Prices: $200, $280, $680 (family package)

5. "Carrousel des Moutons" by d’irque & fien (Belgium)
Date and time: August 11 (Saturday), 5pm
Venue: Hong Kong City Hall Theatre
Prices: $140, $200, $260

Date and time: August 12 (Sunday), 8pm
Venue: Kwai Tsing Theatre Auditorium
Prices: $140, $200, $260

6. "Mulan" by Shanghai Puppet Theatre
Date and time: August 12 (Sunday), 8pm
Venue: North District Town Hall Auditorium
Prices: $140, $200

     For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2370 1044, or refer to the IAC programme brochure or visit www.hkiac.gov.hk. For credit card telephone bookings, please call 2111 5999.

     The IAC, organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, will run from July 6 to August 12 and feature a variety of events for family entertainment.