Hong Kong Jobless Rate Ticks Up to 3.8%

Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged up to 3.8% in the three months ending August 2026, from 3.7% in each of the previous five periods. Not seasonally adjusted, the jobless rate rose to 4.0% from 3.8%, with unemployment increasing across most major economic sectors, with a more pronounced rise observed in food and beverage service activities. The number of unemployed persons increased by 8,200 month-on-month to 153,900, while total employment rose by 4,400 to 3.652 million. The youth unemployment rate for those aged 20 to 29 climbed to 9.1% from 8.4%. The underemployment rate also ticked up to 1.9% from 1.7%, with the number of underemployed persons rising by 5,900 to 72,100. Meanwhile, the participation rate went up to 56.6% from 56.3%, as the labor force increased by around 12,600 to nearly 3.806 million.

Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 3.7% in the three months ending July 2026, staying at its lowest level since the period ending August 2025. The number of unemployed persons increased by 6,000 month-on-month to 145,700, while total employment rose by 1,500 to 3.648 million. The youth unemployment rate for those aged 20 to 29 climbed to 8.4% from 7.5%. The underemployment rate also edged higher to 1.7% from 1.6%, with the number of underemployed persons rising by 3,800 to 66,200. Meanwhile, the labor force participation rate ticked up to 56.3% from 56.2%. Looking ahead, Mr. Chris Sun, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, said, “The ongoing expansion of the local economy is expected to underpin overall labour market conditions, though fresh graduates and school leavers entering the labour market may pose some pressure on the unemployment rate. The potential impacts of external headwinds on corporate hiring sentiments also continue to warrant attention.”

Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 3.7% in the three months ending June 2026, remaining at its lowest level since the period ending August 2025. The number of unemployed people declined by 1,400 month-on-month to 139,700, while total employment increased by 6,800 to 3.6 million. However, labor market conditions among younger workers weakened, with the unemployment rate for those aged 20 to 29 rising to 7.5% from 7%, the highest since the three months ending November 2025. The underemployment rate also edged up to 1.6% from 1.5%. Meanwhile, the labor force participation rate inched higher to 56.2% from 56.1% in the previous period. Looking ahead, Mr Sun said the continued economic expansion should support the overall labour market, although the influx of fresh graduates and school leavers during the summer may have some impact. The Government will closely monitor how external uncertainties affect corporate hiring sentiment.