News

Hong Kong Unemployment Rate at 7-Month Low
Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged down to 3.7% in the three months ending March 2026 from 3.8% in the previous month, marking the lowest reading since August 2025. The number of unemployed persons increased by 1,900 month-on-month to 136,600, while total employment declined by 7,300 to 3.66 million. The youth unemployment rate, for those aged 20 to 29, remained steady at 6.9%, unchanged from February. The underemployment rate ticked lower to 1.6% from 1.7%, and the labour force participation rate also decreased to 56.4% from 56.5%. According to Mr. Chris Sun, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, “The sustained growth of the Hong Kong economy should underpin the overall labour market. The Government will continue to closely monitor developments in geopolitical tensions and assess the potential implications for the labour market.”
Published on 2026-04-23

Hong Kong Unemployment Rate Edges Lower
Hong Kong's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged down to 3.8% in the three months ending February 2026, from a 2022-high of 3.9% in the previous period. The number of unemployed persons declined by 3,700 to 134,700, while total employment decreased by 2,900 to 3.66 million. The youth unemployment rate, for those aged 20 to 29, also ticked lower to 6.9% from 7% in the three months ending January, marking its lowest level since June 2025. The underemployment rate remained steady at 1.7%, and the labour force participation rate fell slightly to 56.5% from 56.7%. Looking ahead, the sustained growth momentum of the Hong Kong economy is expected to continue supporting the overall labour market, although employment conditions in some local sectors may still face challenges depending on business performance.
Published on 2026-03-18

Hong Kong Unemployment Rate Highest Since 2022
Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged up to 3.9% in the three months ending January 2026, marking the highest level since September 2022 and up from 3.8% in the previous month. The number of unemployed rose by 200 to 138,400, while total employment fell by 1,100 to 3.67 million. Youth unemployment among those aged 20-29 eased to 7% from 7.1% in December, reaching its lowest level since June 2025. The underunemployment rate remained unchanged at 1.7%, while the labour force was broadly on a par with the level in the preceding three-month period. Looking ahead, sustained economic growth in Hong Kong is expected to support the overall labour market, though some sectors may continue to face employment pressures due to challenging operating conditions.
Published on 2026-02-20

Hong Kong Unemployment Rate Holds at 3.8% for Third Month
Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.8% in the three months ending December 2025, marking the third consecutive month at this level. The number of unemployed fell by 6,200 to 138,200, while total employment edged down by 2,900 to 3.67 million. Youth unemployment among those aged 20–29 eased to 7.1% from 7.6% in November, reaching its lowest level since June 2025.
Published on 2026-01-20

Hong Kong Unemployment Rate Holds at 3.8% for Third Month
Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.8% in the three months ending December 2025, marking the third consecutive month at this level. The number of unemployed fell by 6,200 to 138,200, while total employment edged down by 2,900 to 3.67 million. Youth unemployment among those aged 20–29 eased to 7.1% from 7.6% in November, reaching its lowest level since June 2025. The underemployment rate rose to 1.7% in December from 1.6% in November, driven by gains in the transportation and information & communications sectors, while easing in the cleaning and related activities sector. Looking ahead, Hong Kong’s labour market is expected to remain stable amid ongoing economic growth and improving consumer sentiment, though some sectors may continue to face challenges.
Published on 2026-01-20

Hong Kong Unemployment Holds Near Three-Year High
Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.8% in the three months ending November 2025, close to a three-year high. The number of unemployed fell by 5,200 to 144,400, while total employment declined by 2,800 to 3.67 million. Youth unemployment for those aged 20–29 eased to 7.6% from 7.9% in October, marking the lowest level in four months. Looking ahead, strong economic growth and rising consumer confidence are expected to support the overall labor market, though some sectors may continue to face employment pressures.
Published on 2025-12-16

Hong Kong Unemployment Holds Near Three-Year High
Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained steady at 3.8% in the three months ending November 2025, unchanged from the previous period and close to a three-year high.
Published on 2025-12-16

Hong Kong Jobless Rate Dips to 3.8%
Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged down to 3.8% in the three months ending October 2025, from a three-year high of 3.9% in the previous period. The number of unemployed fell by 6,000 to 149,600, while total employment declined by 1,500 to 3.67 million. The jobless rate decreased across many major economic sectors, with more notable drops seen in retail, accommodation and food services, professional and business services (excluding cleaning and similar activities), the foundation and superstructure sector, and the financing sector. Meanwhile, the youth unemployment rate (ages 20–29) slipped to 7.9% from 8% in September, which was the highest since October 2021. Looking ahead, the steady growth of Hong Kong’s economy, rising business confidence, and recovering consumer sentiment are expected to support the labour market, though some sectors may continue to face challenges due to economic restructuring.
Published on 2025-11-18

Hong Kong Unemployment Rises to Highest Level Since 2022
Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate climbed to 3.9% in the three months ending September 2025, the highest since August 2022, up from 3.7% in the previous month. The number of unemployed rose by approximately 4,600 to 155,600, while total employment slipped 6,100 to 3.67 million. Jobless rates increased across several key sectors, with the social work activities and construction industries particularly affected. Youth unemployment (ages 20–29) rose to 8.0%, the highest since October 2021, up from 7.8% in August. Meanwhile, the labor force participation rate edged down to 57.1% from 57.2%. Looking ahead, some sectors are expected to continue facing employment challenges amid economic restructuring and rising external uncertainties, and the government will monitor the labor market while supporting job-seekers
Published on 2025-10-20

Hong Kong Unemployment Holds at Highest Level Since November 2022
Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.7% in the three months ending August 2025, holding at July’s peak, the highest since November 2022. The number of unemployed increased by 6,000 to a three-year high of 151,000, while total employment grew by 9,300 to 3.68 million. Jobless rates rose in several key sectors, notably the food and beverage service sector and the manufacturing sector. Youth unemployment (ages 20–29) rose to 7.8%, the highest since October 2021, from 7.3% in July. Meanwhile, the labor force participation rate edged up to 57.2% from 57.0%. Looking ahead, Hong Kong’s steady economic growth and government measures to stimulate consumption are expected to support overall labor demand, despite headwinds in some sectors.
Published on 2025-09-16

Hong Kong Unemployment Holds at Highest Level Since November 2022
Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.7% in the three months ending August 2025, matching the previous period and holding at July’s peak, which was the highest level since November 2022. The number of unemployed increased by 6,000 to a three-year high of 151,000, while total employment grew by 9,300 to 3.68 million. Jobless rates rose in several key sectors, notably the food and beverage service sector and the manufacturing sector. Youth unemployment (ages 20–29) rose to 7.8%, the highest since October 2021, from 7.3% in July. Meanwhile, the labor force participation rate edged up to 57.2% from 57.0%. Looking ahead, steady economic growth in Hong Kong, together with government measures to stimulate consumption and bolster economic momentum, is expected to support overall labor demand, despite continued headwinds in certain sectors.
Published on 2025-09-16

Hong Kong Jobless Rate Climbs to Over 2-½-Year High
Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 3.7% in the three months ending July 2025, up from 3.5% in the previous period, marking the highest level since the three months to November 2022. The number of unemployed increased by 8,800 to a two-and-a-half-year high of 145,000, while total employment grew by 14,000 to 3.67 million. Jobless rates rose in several key sectors, notably foundation and superstructure, food and beverage services, retail, and real estate. Youth unemployment (ages 20–29) rose to 7.3%, the highest since November 2022, from 6.8% in June. Meanwhile, the labor force participation rate edged up to 57% from 56.7%. Looking ahead, sustained economic growth is expected to boost job creation, providing more opportunities for fresh graduates and school leavers. While unemployment will continue to vary across industries, government measures to stimulate growth, support consumption, and attract investment should underpin overall labor demand.
Published on 2025-08-19

Hong Kong Jobless Rate Climbs to 2-½-Year High
Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 3.7% in the three months ending July 2025, up from 3.5% in the previous period, marking the highest level since the three months to November 2022. The number of unemployed increased by 8,800 to a two-and-a-half-year high of 145,000, while total employment grew by 14,000 to 3.67 million. Jobless rates rose in several key sectors, notably foundation and superstructure, food and beverage services, retail, and real estate. Youth unemployment (ages 20–29) rose to 7.3%, the highest since November 2022, from 6.8% in June. Meanwhile, the labor force participation rate edged up to 57% from 56.7%. Looking ahead, sustained economic growth is expected to boost job creation, providing more opportunities for fresh graduates and school leavers. While unemployment will continue to vary across industries, government measures to stimulate growth, support consumption, and attract investment should underpin overall labor demand.
Published on 2025-08-19

Hong Kong Unemployment Rate Sustains Two-Year Peak
Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.5% in the three months ending June 2025, matching the previous period and holding at May’s peak which was the highest level since December 2022. The number of unemployed people remained stable at around 136,200, while total employment dropped by 7,400 to 3.66 million. Unemployment increased mainly in the construction sector and food and beverage service activities sector, while it decreased in the arts, entertainment and recreation sector, and professional and business services sector. The youth unemployment rate (ages 20–29) rose to 6.8% in June, marking the highest level since November 2022. Meanwhile, the labour force participation rate remained unchanged at 56.7%. Looking ahead, the unemployment rate will depend on overall economic performance. The entry of fresh graduates and school leavers in summer may affect employment, but continued economic growth in Hong Kong is expected to support the labor market.
Published on 2025-07-17

Hong Kong Unemployment Rate Stable at 3.5 Sustaining Two-Year Peak
Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.5% in the three months ending June 2025, matching the previous period and holding at May’s peak which was the highest level since December 2022. The number of unemployed people remained stable at around 136,200, while total employment dropped by 7,400 to 3.66 million. Unemployment increased mainly in the construction sector and food and beverage service activities sector, while it decreased in the arts, entertainment and recreation sector, and professional and business services sector. The youth unemployment rate (ages 20–29) rose to 6.8% in June, marking the highest level since November 2022. Meanwhile, the labour force participation rate remained unchanged at 56.7%. Looking ahead, the unemployment rate will depend on overall economic performance. The entry of fresh graduates and school leavers in summer may affect employment, but continued economic growth in Hong Kong is expected to support the labor market.
Published on 2025-07-17

Hong Kong Unemployment Rate Hits Two-Year High
Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate inched up to 3.5% in the three months ending May 2025, from 3.4% in the previous period, hitting its highest level since December 2022. The increase was driven by continued industry adjustments amid external uncertainties and changing consumption patterns. The number of unemployed people rose by 6,400 to 135,800, while total employment dropped by 12,400 to 3.66 million. Unemployment increased across most major sectors, with sharper rises in construction, retail, and real estate. The youth unemployment rate (ages 20–29) remained unchanged at 6.5% in May. Meanwhile, the labour force participation rate edged down to 56.7% from 56.8%. Looking ahead, the arrival of fresh graduates and school leavers could put further pressure on the job market.
Published on 2025-06-17

Hong Kong Jobless Rate at Over 2-Year High
Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged higher to 3.4% in the three months ending April 2025, from 3.2% in the previous period, remaining at the highest level in over two years. The number of unemployed persons increased by around 6.6 thousand from the previous month to 124,900—the highest figure since November 2022—while employment fell by 15,600 to 3.68 million. Sectoral unemployment rose in construction, accommodation services, food and beverage service activities, and financing sectors but declined in information and communications, insurance, and arts, entertainment, and recreation sectors. Meanwhile, the youth unemployment rate (for job-seekers aged 20–29) increased to 6.5% from 6.1% in the preceding period. The labour force participation rate ticked down to 56.8% from 56.9% in the preceding period.
Published on 2025-05-20

Hong Kong Jobless Rate Remains Elevated
Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood unchanged at 3.2% in the three months ending March 2025, remaining at the highest level in two years. The number of unemployed persons increased by around 11.1 thousand from the previous month to 122.8 thousand, while employment fell by 16.8 thousand to 3.69 million. Sectoral unemployment rose in information, social work, business services, and construction, but declined in transportation and insurance. Meanwhile, the youth unemployment rate (for job-seekers aged 20–29) edged up to 6% from 5.6% in the preceding period. The labour force participation rate remained steady for fifth consecutive periods at 56.9%.
Published on 2025-04-22

Hong Kong Jobless Rate at 2-Year High
Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged higher to 3.2% in the three months ending February 2025, after holding steady at 3.1% for three consecutive periods. This marked the highest rate since the three months ending February 2023, as the number of unemployed persons increased by 1.6 thousand from the previous month to 111.7 thousand, while employment decreased by 7.1 thousand to 3.710 million. The unemployment rate across various sectors exhibited mixed trends during the period, though they generally remained low. Meanwhile, the youth unemployment rate, which measures job-seekers between the ages of 20 and 29, ticked higher to 5.6% from 5.4% in the preceding period. The labor force participation rate remained unchanged for three consecutive periods at 56.9%.
Published on 2025-03-18

Hong Kong Jobless Rate Steady at 3.1%
Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 3.1% in the three months ending January 2025, unchanged from the previous three periods. The number of unemployed persons declined by 3.5 thousand month-on-month to 110.1 thousand, while employment fell by 2.3 thousand to 3.717 million. The unemployment rates across various sectors exhibited varying trends over the three months ending January 2025, though the overall changes were generally modest. Meanwhile, the youth unemployment rate, measuring job-seekers between 20 to 29 years old, fell to 5.4% from 5.8% in the preceding period. The labor force participation rate was unchanged at 56.9%.
Published on 2025-02-18