The unemployment rate in Hong Kong rose to 4.6 percent in the November to January period, up from 4.1 percent of the previous quarter, official figures released Tuesday indicated.

The increase in unemployment was almost across-the-board as the impact of the global financial turmoil became more apparent on a broad front, said the Census and Statistics Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government.

The employment market will remain weak as the turmoil's effect spreads across economic sectors. A further weakening in labor demand after the Chinese Lunar New Year is also expected to translate into more job losses in the near term, said the department.

Matthew Cheung, secretary for Labor and Welfare of the HKSAR government said the Government will leave no stone unturned in creating job opportunities on all fronts, and is making every effort to help job-seekers.

Some 55,000 construction jobs will be created in the next financial year through accelerating infrastructure and minor works projects, he said.

The government will recruit 7,700 civil servants and create about 4,000 temporary openings in the next 14 months. Over 20 statutory bodies will also recruit some 6,000 employees and create about 2,000 temporary jobs or internship opportunities this year, he added.

(Xinhua News Agency February 17, 2009)