IntroductionThe unemployment rate became a hot topic in the past few months when it rose to3.5 per cent, a recent high for almost 10 years. The jobless rate was higherthan the 3.2 per cent unemployment rate recorded in the May to July period. Theunderemployment rate in the June to August period rose to 2.5 per cent from 2.3per cent in the May to July period. Until recently, most workers who lost theirjobs were from the manufacturing sector. They were middle-aged factory workerswith few skills and little education. But in recent months a large number ofemployees have been laid off in the retail and restaurant businesses.Unemployment has spilled over to the service sector from manufacturing sector.Hong Kong is facing a prolonged economic downturn.The high unemployment rate has raised many social and economic problems. Forexample, the number of people who commit suicide is increased. It is becausemore people had lost their jobs for a long time. It is a serious threat to thelives of the poor.
