HONG KONG: Despite all predictions of a rapid recovery of Hong Kong's economy, latest employment statistics for September paint a gloomy picture for those looking for work. Latest statistics for the private sector show that in September employment and job vacancies declined over September 2008.

Total employment decreased 1 percent, which adds up to 24,000 people. The number of vacancies was down 8,980 over September a year earlier and that's a 19 percent year to year decline, according to figures released by the Census and Statistics Department yesterday.

Manufacturing, import-export and accommodation services took a significant hit with total employment down 4 to 5 percent.

Some industries, on the other hand, showed some increase in number of the employed. Those include cleaning and janitorial services, education, human health services, residential care and social work.

Among the 38,780 vacancies in the private sector, the food and beverage industry had the greatest number of job openings, with 6,530 vacancies. The professional and business services (excluding cleaning and similar services) and the retail trade had 4,220 job availabilities. There were another 3,820 vacancies in finance and insurance and 3,460 in the import and export sector. The food and beverage industry recorded a 35 percent increase in vacancies, according to the survey.

However, vacancies decreased in all the other selected industries in September, compared to the same period of 2008. Import and export saw a 44 percent drop in demand; arts, entertainment, recreation and other services fell 32 percent in terms of job openings. Professional and business services (excluding cleaning and similar services) shrank 26 percent, while retail trade, information and communications sectors represented another 23 percent and 37 percent deduction in jobs to offer.

(HK Edition 12/22/2009 page1)