The number of new jobs created by the Government this financial year was lower than estimated, it was disclosed yesterday.
The latest assessment from the Education and Manpower Bureau found that only 9,400 civil service vacancies would be filled by March although 11,000 were expected to be created.
The bureau said the difference was due to a lower number of retirements.
Up to the end of December, 5,600 vacancies for permanent posts at all levels were filled. However, the number of jobs created by private-sector and non-governmental organisations receiving subsidies largely met forecasts.
Of 32,674 job vacancies expected to be created by last December, 32,763 posts were filled. But 2,200 fewer jobs in public works building projects were created due to projects being deferred.
The bureau expects 122,000 vacancies to be generated over the next two years as a result of key government policy initiatives, major infrastructure projects and the needs of the civil service.
