HK jobless rate flat at 3.1% from January to March

    Hong Kong's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 3.1% in January - March 2014, same as that in December 2013 - February 2014. The underemployment rate also remained unchanged at 1.2% in the two periods, data from the Census and Statistics Department showed.
  Comparing January - March 2014 with December 2013 - February 2014, an increase in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) was mainly observed in the decoration, repair and maintenance for buildings sector, while a decrease was mainly seen in the financing sector. As to the underemployment rate, increases were mainly observed in the foundation and superstructure works of the construction sector, and the food and beverage service activities sector, while decreases were mainly seen in the decoration, repair and maintenance for buildings, and warehousing and support activities for transportation sectors.
  On the short-term outlook, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, said the unemployment rate is likely to stay at a relatively low level on the back of a largely stable domestic segment. Nonetheless, the Government will continue to monitor how the external environment evolves and the potential impact on the local labour market.