Total employment in surveyed sectors rose to 2,430,900 people in June, up 2.6% on the same month last year, the Census & Statistics Department says. Vacancies grew 10% to 45,860.

The import and export trade engaged 520,000 people, followed by retail with 232,600, business services 227,400 and restaurants 201,600.

Employment rises were recorded in the financing and insurance sector (up 7.7% or 12,400), sanitary and similar services (7% or 4,000), hotels and boarding houses (7% or 2,000), medical, health and related services (5.5% or 4,400) and business services (4.8% or 10,300). However, falls in employment were seen in the manufacturing sector (-2.3% or -3,800), and construction sites (-2.2% or -1,200).

Of the 45,860 private sector vacancies, 8,010 were from the import and export trade, 5,490 from business services, 5,210 from financing and insurance, 4,220 from retail trade, and 3,800 from restaurants.

Vacancies grew in most of the selected sectors. Increases were mainly from the business services sector (760 or 16%), financing and insurance (630 or 14%), import and export (560 or 7%), recreational and other personal services (500 or 18%) and welfare and community services (430 or 34%). Vacancies fell in the communications sector (-30 or -4%) and in manufacturing (-30 or -2%).