All 11,600 temporary jobs in the public sector will be retained for another year to meet operational needs and help the jobless enter the labour market, with 33% of the jobs related to social welfare.

Of the temporary jobs, around 3,400 are training places for youths and the remainder for other age groups, primarily the middle-aged.

These include about 3,600 cleansing-related jobs outsourced to the private sector, 3,400 posts created by the Hospital Authority or non-governmental organisations and 1,200 non-civil service contract posts.

A total of 3,836 temporary jobs are related to social welfare, representing 33% of the total. This is followed by food and environmental hygiene (3,291 jobs), Hospital Authority (2,286), and leisure and cultural services (1,399). The Agriculture, Fisheries &  Conservation Department will offer 322 temporary jobs, Home Affairs Department, 280, and Tourism Commission, 194.

The departments and agencies concerned will consider the future of these temporary posts in light of the operational needs.