Unemployment and underemployment statistics for February - April 2026
According to the latest labour force statistics (i.e. provisional figures for February - April 2026) released today (May 19) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 3.7% in February - April 2026, same as that in January - March 2026. The underemployment rate decreased from 1.6% in January - March 2026 to 1.5% in February - April 2026.
Comparing February - April 2026 with January - March 2026, movements in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) in different industry sectors varied. Decrease was mainly seen in the construction sector while increase was mainly seen in the manufacturing sector. As to the underemployment rate, decreases were mainly seen in the foundation and superstructure sector, and food and beverage service activities sector.
Total employment decreased by around 7 700 from 3 655 700 in January - March 2026 to 3 648 000 in February - April 2026. Over the same period, the labour force also decreased by around 5 200 from 3 792 400 to 3 787 200.
The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) increased by around 2 600 from 136 600 in January - March 2026 to 139 200 in February - April 2026. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons decreased by around 2 000 from 60 100 to 58 100.
Commentary
Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said, "The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stayed at 3.7% in February - April 2026, same as that in the preceding three-month period. Meanwhile, the underemployment rate edged down by 0.1 percentage point to 1.5%. Over the same period, the labour force and total employment decreased slightly."
The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, Photo by Bastille Post
Looking ahead, Mr Sun said, "The robust growth momentum of the Hong Kong economy should render support to the overall labour market. The Government will remain vigilant to the potential implications of the elevated geopolitical risks, and continue to monitor the development closely."
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 February - April 2026 covered a sample of some 25 000 households or 65 000 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 February to April 2026.
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 October - December 2025 while the next issue covering the quarter January - March 2026 will be available by end May 2026. 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: 2887 5508 or email: ghs@censtatd.gov.hk).
Photo source: reference image
Ombudsman probes secretariat services and administrative support provided by Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong
The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman:
In view of the growing community concern over animal protection, the Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, today (May 19) announced the launch of a direct investigation operation to examine the secretariat services and administrative support provided by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) for the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong (VSB), particularly with regards to its handling of complaints against registered veterinary surgeons and related arrangements.
According to government statistics, over 240,000 households in Hong Kong keep pets, with the total number of pets exceeding 400,000, reflecting a strong demand for veterinary services in the community. The VSB, a statutory body established under the Veterinary Surgeons Registration Ordinance, is responsible for regulating veterinary surgeons in Hong Kong, including registration and disciplinary matters. The Secretariat of the VSB (Secretariat), under the AFCD's purview, provides secretarial and administrative support.
The Office notes recurring concerns about the cumbersome procedures for lodging complaints against veterinary surgeons, and that the Secretariat's handling of such complaints is unduly prolonged. There are views that even if the VSB determines, after a disciplinary inquiry, that a veterinary surgeon has committed professional misconduct or acted negligently, the public announcement of the decision is subject to serious delays, preventing the public from being informed in time to raise awareness and make informed decisions about veterinary services. In addition, the Office has received complaints highlighting shortcomings in the Secretariat’s arrangements for disciplinary inquiries and its handling of enquiries, indicating potential room for improvement in its administration and service standards.
Mr Chan said, "The proper handling of complaints against registered veterinary surgeons has a direct bearing on the quality of veterinary services and public confidence in the profession, and is closely correlated with animal health and welfare. The VSB is statutorily mandated to regulate, register and exercise disciplinary control of veterinary surgeons, and its ability to effectively perform these duties depends heavily on whether the administrative support provided by the Secretariat is proper. In this light, I have decided to launch a direct investigation operation to examine the procedures and mechanisms through which the Secretariat supports the VSB in handling matters related to the regulation of veterinary surgeons, and review the AFCD's supervisory role to identify areas for improvement and, where necessary, make pertinent recommendations."
Mr Chan said, "The Office earlier announced the results of a direct investigation operation into the Government's work in combating cruelty to animals, which attracted widespread public attention. Combating animal cruelty and protecting vulnerable lives is not a task that can be accomplished overnight; it requires the sustained and unwavering commitment of all sectors of society, including government authorities, non-governmental organisations and the wider public. This direct investigation operation is the second one of our series of investigations in relation to animal protection."
The Ombudsman today also visited the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Jockey Club Centennial Centre (Tsing Yi Centre) and met with its Executive Director, Ms Fiona Cumming, to gain an insight into the SPCA's work in preventing animal cruelty and rescuing injured animals, as well as its perspectives on related issues.
During the meeting, Ms Cumming briefed Mr Chan on the SPCA's latest efforts and challenges in handling suspected cases of animal cruelty, rescuing injured and abandoned animals, and promoting public education. Mr Chan also toured the facilities at the Centre, including the veterinary and animal care facilities, to learn about how frontline staff provide immediate treatment and rehabilitation support for injured animals. He spoke with staff members about their experiences in handling suspected cases of animal cruelty.
Mr Chan said, "Many animal protection organisations in the community have been working tirelessly to promote animal welfare. During our direct investigation operation, we received full support from the SPCA, the Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden and relevant animal rescue organisations. Through their outstanding work in animal protection, emergency rescues and public education, these organisations demonstrate compassion and social responsibility, and truly deserve praise."
Mr Chan added, "The media have recently reported on a suspected case of animal abuse and abandonment. The Police responded swiftly and decisively, leading to the arrest of the suspects within days. The action is highly commendable in fully demonstrating the Government's commitment and determination to combat animal cruelty, and conveying a clear and powerful message to society."
The Office will continue to follow up on the implementation of relevant policies and measures, with a view to fostering a more compassionate and caring society.
The Ombudsman welcomes views from members of the public on this topic. Written submissions should reach the Office of The Ombudsman by June 19, 2026:
Address: 30/F, China Merchants Tower, Shun Tak Centre
168-200 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong
Fax: 2882 8149
Email: di490@ombudsman.hk
Ombudsman probes secretariat services and administrative support provided by Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Ombudsman probes secretariat services and administrative support provided by Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
