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A survey found that 15.5 per cent of young people were unemployed. The figure was almost four times higher than that of the enter-unemployed population as announced by the government (the unemployment rate of the working population was 3.9 per cent between February and April 1998).
Around 30 per cent of the respondents said that the gloomy economic outlook and their lack of skills were respectively the largest obstacles to their finding jobs. Another 10 per cent thought that the over supply of manpower posed a threat to their employment prospects.
Sixty per cent of the respondents said that the current unemployment problems, though serious, had not had a negative impact on their families. However, still around 20 per cent believed that their family income had decreased. Another 8 per cent of young people's families had had to cut expenditure. The difficulty in paying monthly installment bills hit 3.7 per cent of young people's families, and was thus a problem. These responses showed that the current unemployment problems had adversely affected the livelihood of many citizens, particularly in the financial area.
To avoid becoming unemployed, more than 30 per cent of the respondents said that they would work hard at their current work place. Another 19 per cent opted for enhancing their skills to increase their competitiveness.
Although the survey found that young people were not impressed by the government's performance in tackling the serious problem of unemployment, young people still had expectations of the government to improve the problem. Slightly more than 25 per cent of young people believed that program reforms under the Employees Retraining Board would help to curb the problem. Around 39 per cent believed that the government should encourage employers to employ more young people.
The survey found that 46 per cent of young people showed interests in applying for loans to start their own businesses. Respondents at a young age were more receptive to apply for the loans than their older counterparts. However, another 49 per cent showed no interest. The worry about poor business was found to be the main reason that scared people away from starting their own businesses.
The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups conducted the survey from 18 to 21 May 1998. A total of 575 non-studying young people, aged 15 to 34, were successfully interviewed.
The Deputy Director of the Federation, Mr. Paul Chan, said that because most young people lacked skills and work experience, they might have a tougher time finding a job amidst the current economic slowdown. The gloomy economy further undermined the work prospects of young people. Mr. Chan urged the Government to put in more effort to improve the employment situation for young people. Meanwhile, the Government should provide young people with accurate and practical training programs to increase their competitiveness in the market.
Youth Opinion
Polls No. 54
