Unemployment is taking a toll on family life, with people arguing more and enjoying themselves less, a survey indicates.
The survey of 410 jobless people by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service late last month found 23 per cent said their relationships with loved ones had deteriorated.
Nearly two-thirds became nervous and irritated easily and more than half felt depressed and frustrated. More than 90 per cent had cut back on entertainment expenses.
'It's sad that a person who is unemployed also goes through family problems at a time when they most need their family,' said Alice Yuk Tak-fun, general secretary of the Hong Kong Young Women's Christian Association.
'We need to offer help to these families because the longer they're out of work, the more likely they are to become depressed and develop problems with their families.' Ms Yuk said the survey proved that unemployment was not only a financial problem, but was also having an impact on the family unit.
She urged the Government to provide more services to the jobless to prevent family disputes escalating.
