Unemployment Rate Holds Steady at 3.5% in Hong Kong for April-June 2025

2025-07-17 16:30 Last Updated At：16:38

Unemployment and underemployment statistics for April - June 2025

According to the latest labour force statistics (i.e. provisional figures for April - June 2025) released today (July 17) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 3.5% in April - June 2025, same as that in March - May 2025. The underemployment rate also remained unchanged at 1.4% in the two periods.

Comparing April - June 2025 with March - May 2025, movements in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) in different industry sectors varied. Decreases were mainly seen in arts, entertainment and recreation sector; and professional and business services sector (excluding cleaning and similar activities) while increases were mainly seen in construction sector and food and beverage service activities sector. Movements in the underemployment rate in different industry sectors also varied, but the magnitudes were generally not large.

Total employment decreased by around 7400 from 3664700 in March - May 2025 to 3657300 in April - June 2025. Over the same period, the labour force also decreased by around 7000 from 3800500 to 3793500.

The number ofunemployed persons(not seasonally adjusted) in April - June 2025 was 136200, about the same as that in March - May 2025 (135800). The number ofunderemployed personsdecreased by around 1000 from 53600 in March - May 2025 to 52600 in April - June 2025.

Commentary

The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said, "While the unemployment and underemployment rates in April - June 2025 remained the same as those of the preceding three-month period, various industries in Hong Kong are undergoing transition and their respective unemployment rates have different trends." Looking ahead, he said, "The trend of unemployment rate will hinge on the overall economic performance. The entry of fresh graduates and school leavers during the summer may impact the overall employment situation. Nevertheless, the continued expansion of the Hong Kong economy should provide support to the labour market."

Further information

The unemployment and underemployment statistics were compiled from the findings of the continuous General Household Survey.

In the survey, the definitions used in measuring unemployment and underemployment follow closely those recommended by the International Labour Organization. The employed population covers all employers, self-employed persons, employees (including full-time, part-time, casual workers, etc.) and unpaid family workers. Unemployed persons by industry (or occupation) are classified according to their previous industry (or occupation).

The survey for April - June 2025 covered a sample of some 26000 households or 68000 persons, selected in accordance with a scientifically designed sampling scheme to represent the population of Hong Kong. Labour force statistics compiled from this sample represented the situation in the moving three-month period of April to June 2025.

Data on labour force characteristics were obtained from the survey by interviewing each member aged 15 or over in the sampled households.

Statistical tables on the latest labour force statistics can be downloaded at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/scode200.html). More detailed analysis of the labour force characteristics is given in the "Quarterly Report on General Household Survey" which is published four times a year. The latest issue of the report contains statistics for the quarter January - March 2025 while the next issue covering the quarter April - June 2025 will be available by end August 2025. Users can also browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1050001&scode=200).

For enquiries about labour force statistics, please contact the General Household Survey Section (3) of the C&SD (Tel:28875508 or email: ghs@censtatd.gov.hk).

Public Hospitals Operate Smoothly Amid New Healthcare Fees and Charges Reform

Public hospitals experience smooth operations on second day of public healthcare fees and charges reform

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

On the second day (January 2) of the implementation of the Hospital Authority public healthcare fees and charges reform (fees and charges reform), public hospitals maintained smooth operation. The HA will continue to deploy additional manpower across various departments at hospitals to assist patients in need.

On the first day (January 1) of the fees and charges reform, 3 888 patients attended the Accident and Emergency departments (A&E) of 18 public hospitals, a decrease of about 25 per cent when comparing to New Year's Day last year. From midnight to 2pm yesterday (January 2), 2 329 patients attended all A&E, approximately 30 per cent fewer than the same time period of January 2 of last year. Among the patients seeking medical consultation, there were 34 critical cases and 82 emergency cases. According to the new fees and charges arrangement, these two categories of patients will have their A&E charges fully exempted. The other cases subject to the new fees and charges arrangement include 986 urgent cases, 1 171 semi-urgent cases, and 56 non-urgent cases. The average waiting times for semi-urgent and non-urgent cases was around 55 minutes, which is shorter compared to the average waiting time for the same period last year (approximately 147 minutes) for semi-urgent and non-urgent cases.

Additionally, the HA's 75 Family Medicine Clinics (FMCs) providing family medicine outpatient services also operated smoothly yesterday. As of 2pm yesterday, approximately 10 000 patients attended these FMCs, with overall service usage remaining similar to that before the implementation of the measures.

The HA has deployed additional manpower to expedite the processing of patients' medical fee waivers applications. As of 2pm yesterday, public hospitals received approximately 3 300 applications in total for the day, with nearly 90per cent approved, amounting to about 2 900 applications. The remaining cases will be processed as soon as possible. Compared to the 14 000 individuals who were approved for medical fee waivers in 2023/24, the HA has approved approximately 35 000 applications since early November last year, benefiting citizens in need.

Furthermore, patients who had previously scheduled non-urgent radiology services or pathology services will be receiving payment notifications through mail or the HA mobile application HA Go starting from January 1. The HA reminds patients with recent appointments can arrange payment as early as practicable upon receiving the notification. For patients with distant appointment dates, payment can be arranged at their convenience after receiving the notification. Patients are not required to settle the payment immediately. Patients undergoing non-urgent radiology services must settle the payment at least 14 days before their appointment date, while patients requiring pathology services must settle the payment before testing. If patients have questions regarding payment items, they can inquire with healthcare staff during follow-up appointment, and specialist out-patient clinics will also have Integrated Patient Service Centres to provide detailed explanations about payment arrangements.

The HA reminds patients that the fees and charges reform has been implemented. Patients are advised to familiarise themselves with the new fees and charges arrangements before visiting public hospitals or outpatient clinics. Some medical service procedures have also been modified. Every cluster has set up hotlines (see table below) for patients to inquire about the fees and charges reform arrangements. Patients can also visit the HA website to learn about the new arrangements.

Hotlines for Public Healthcare Fees and Charges Reform