青年失業問題自七十年代末期開始經已成爲先進工業國的其中 一個重要議程，這現象對香港來説也不例外。一九九九年香港的整 體失業率超過百分之六，而今年雖然經濟有點復甦的跡象，但失業 率仍超過百分之五。在就業市場敲響警號的同時，三十歲以下失業 者佔整體失業人口的比率也有三成之多，這反映失業問題有年輕化 的趨勢。最近，行政長官董建華在今年施政報告更指出青少年失業 率已達百分之二十九。青少年失業問題與及其所引發的相關社會問 題已然到達一個毋容輕視的地步。本文根據第一手研究資料，探討 香港青少年失業問題的現況、闡述青少年失業及待業的經驗和感 受，並從社會政策的角度提出解決青少年失業問題的建議。文章提 出政府必須準確評估未來十年因經濟轉型而可能出現的結構性失業 狀況，更預計新經濟體系所需不同層級的技術及知識，以便能在教 育及培訓工作上作有效的規劃及配合。另一方面，教育改革也刻不 容緩，而社會服務上也必須作出配合，以協助失業青年免受社會排 斥。

Youth employment has become one of the focal concerns of modem industrial countries, where Hong Kong is of no exception. In the year 1999 the overall unemployment rate in Hong Kong has exceeded 7%. This year inspite of signs of economic recovery unemployment rate remains high. In midst of the gloomy labour market, youth has been attacked most severely by unemployment. Recent figure shows that youth employment rate in Hong Kong has reached almost 30% of the total unemployed. This paper bases on first hand survey data conducted in Hong Kong and discusses the constraints and pressure faced by young people in Hong Kong today. It is suggested that the government should have a 10-year manpower plan whereby labour demand in a knowledge-based economy is thoroughly assessed. Reforms in education is also necessary to match with the changing needs of the society. Finally social services should provide adequate support to help alleviate the pressure faced by young people who are unemployed.