Jobless rate climbs to 5.3%

Secretary for Labour & Welfare Matthew Cheung today said the jobless rate was expected to remain high in the short term as labour market demand remained weak under the deepening impact of the economic recession.

Human swine influenza has also emerged as a new source of uncertainty and pressure on the labour market, he added.

Expecting the economy and labour situation to improve alongside the implementation of major infrastructure projects next year, Mr Cheung said the Legislative Council Finance Committee has approved $398.6 million to enhance employment programmes.