Jobless workers have been urged to join Hong Kong industries unaffected by the economic downturn. Secretary for Education and Manpower Joseph Wong Wing-ping named five sectors not hit by the turmoil as construction, property management, security, elderly care and telecommunications. He believed such industries would have plenty of job opportunities for the unemployed. 'These professions need more workers over the next few years. They are not affected by the temporary economic slump,' he said. Financial Secretary Donald Tsang denied claims the budget had overlooked the jobless, saying public spending and other capital projects would aid economic recovery. 'Sustaining economic activity in these ways is the most realistic and effective means of maintaining and creating new employment, and helping the community cope with the difficulties of economic adjustment,' he said. To boost job placement, the 10 Labour Department centres will be computerised to provide a speedier service. Job centres will open for an extra hour from March 30. 'We are confident the department can help the unemployed re-enter the job market so long as they are positive and realistic about finding jobs,' Mr Wong said. But he admitted the series of measures would not bring immediate relief. 'Unemployment is basically an economic problem. We should not expect that these measures could reduce the unemployment rate immediately,' he said. Officials will today meet the Small and Medium Enterprises Committee under the Industry Department to discuss how to organise tailor-made retraining courses for the jobless workers.