Total employment in Hong Kong's private sector grew 2.8 percent in March, or by 68,100 people, compared to the same month last year, the city's Census and Statistics Department said Monday.

According to a release by the agency, there were 45,960 vacancies from the private sector during the month, up 65 percent or by 18,180 vacancies year on year.

Increases in employment were recorded in the cleaning and similar services, arts, entertainment, recreation and other services, education and real estate industries.

Meanwhile, employment fell in manufacturing and accommodation services.

Vacancies rose in all selected industries in March over a year earlier.