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 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.

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.

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.