He pointed out that in February 2008, the Labour Department (LD) netted 52 187 vacancies from the private sector, an increase of 8.4% over January this year. On average, the Department received over 2 700 vacancies per working day.
"Although the employment scene has continued to improve, the Administration would keep up its efforts to promote employment on all fronts," he said.
To strengthen employment support for the youths, LD will open the second Youth Employment Resource Centre called "Youth Employment Start" (Y.E.S.) tomorrow (March 19) in Metroplaza, Kwai Fong.
In addition to the first Y.E.S. which opened in December 2007 in Langham Place, Mongkok, the two Centres provide one-stop advisory and support services on employment and self-employment to youngsters aged between 15 and 29. "This underlines the Administration's determination to promote youth employment," Mr Cheung said.
Looking ahead, Mr Cheung indicated that as stronger seasonal demand abated after the Lunar New Year holiday, any further decline in the unemployment and underemployment rates would depend on the growth in total employment relative to that in the labour supply in the corporate sector.
He added that the Government would closely monitor the possible impact on local employment arising from the highly volatile global financial markets and the recent downward adjustment in the local stock market.
Census and Statistics Department
marketing@alchempro.com
