Unemployment and underemployment statistics for April - June 2026
According to the latest labour force statistics (i.e. provisional figures for April - June 2026) released today (July 17) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 3.7% in April - June 2026, same as that in March - May 2026. The underemployment rate increased from 1.5% in March - May 2026 to 1.6% in April - June 2026.
The Census and Statistics Department, Photo source: reference image
Comparing April - June 2026 with March - May 2026, movements in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) in different industry sectors varied. Decreases were mainly seen in the import and export trade sector, food and beverage service activities sector, and real estate sector while increases were mainly seen in the manufacturing sector, and warehousing and support activities for transportation sector. As to the underemployment rate, increases were mainly seen in the warehousing and support activities for transportation sector, construction sector, and professional and business services sector (excluding cleaning and similar activities).
Total employment increased by around 6 800 from 3 639 300 in March - May 2026 to 3 646 100 in April - June 2026. Over the same period, the labour force also increased by around 5 500 from 3 780 300 to 3 785 800.
The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) decreased by around 1 400 from 141 100 in March - May 2026 to 139 700 in April - June 2026. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons increased by around 5 600 from 56 800 to 62 400.
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 April - June 2026, same as that in the preceding three-month period. Meanwhile, the underemployment rate edged up by 0.1 percentage point to 1.6%. Over the same period, the labour force and total employment increased slightly."
Looking ahead, Mr Sun said, "The ongoing economic expansion should continue to support the overall labour market, though the entry of fresh graduates and school leavers during the summer may bring some impact. The Government is also closely monitoring the potential implications of the external uncertainties on corporate hiring sentiment."
Photo source: reference image
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 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 April to June 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 January - March 2026 while the next issue covering the quarter April - June 2026 will be available by end August 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
