But a union official says the schemes to keep 22,600 in work are not enough
The government plans to spend $1.2 billion to maintain 22,600 temporary positions for up to two years in an attempt to ease unemployment, Tung Chee-hwa said yesterday.
Under the package, 11,600 temporary jobs will be extended for between six months and two years at a cost of $870 million.
A further 10,000 training placements at private enterprises will also be maintained for two years under the Youth Work Experience and Training Scheme, at a cost of $300 million.
In a new programme, $30 million will be spent on a one-year trial scheme to help 1,000 young people aged 18 to 24 become self-employed.
The programmes come amid declining unemployment, which stands at 7.5 per cent, but at a time when the deficit remains high.
