HK jobless rate hits record 7.1%


Hong Kong's economy is likely to grow 2.5 percent this year

HONG KONG , China -- Hong Kong's jobless rate hit a record 7.1 per cent in the three months to April, according to new government figures.

The number of people out of work rose 2.9 percent from 238,900 to 245,000, compared with the previous three-month period ending in March.

The total labor force fell to 3.448 million from 3.459 million -- the first fall since the September-November quarter last year.

A government spokesman said unemployment was likely to remain high in the near term.

It may peak about mid-year, when more graduates enter the job market.

Hong Kong's economy is tipped to grow about 2.5 percent this year.