Paul Chan Sounds Warning On HK's Job Market

The financial secretary has warned that'sHong Kong's unemployment rate is certain to rise further.

Writing on his blog on Sunday, Paul Chan says it's likely that the jobless will surpass that of the 2009 global financial crisis.

He also warned that the total number of people out of work could reach its highest in 15 years.

The government is set to unveil the latest unemployment rate on Tuesday. The jobless rate for the three months to April stood at 5.2 percent, the highest in about a decade. The construction and retail trades were among the hardest hit.

Chan also spoke of the need to revive the economy while taking aim at those who disrupt businesses using violence. He said that would deprive working people and small to medium-sized enterprises of their breathing space amid the economic slowdown.

On the start of applications next Sunday for a HK$10,000 cash handout, the financial secretary expects the system will be at its busiest that morning, and he said there's no need for people to rush and sign up on the first day.