DEMANDS to scrap the importation of foreign workers were rejected by Governor Chris Patten yesterday as the sole solution for curbing the rise in unemployment.
He said it was just one of many issues that needed to be grappled with to reduce the 3.5 per cent jobless rate, which is at an 11-year high.
While he acknowledged unemployment was 'unfortunately high', Mr Patten refused to undertake major economic reforms.
The Democratic Party, pro-China legislators and the Federation of Trade Unions have called for an end to the labour importation scheme as a priority in tackling unemployment.
Mr Patten said unemployment had been rising for a number of reasons, including demographic factors such as the return of people to Hong Kong and migration from China.
The outcome of a review of the scheme would be discussed with legislators and the community.
