Unemployment Rate Holds Steady at 3.7% Amid Slight Rise in Underemployment in Hong Kong's Latest Labour Statistics

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

CFS urges public not to consume batch of imported spread product suspected to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (August 18) urged the public not to consume a batch of spread product imported from France due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The trade should stop using or selling the affected batch of the product immediately if they possess it.

The Centre for Food Safety, Photo source: reference image

Product details are as follows:

Product name: Ktipiti Extra Red Pepper & Feta Cheese Spread

Brand: L'atelier Blini

Place of origin: France

Net weight: 175 grams

Batch number: 12262661

Use-by date: August 30, 2026

Importer: City Super Limited

Ktipiti Extra Red Pepper & Feta Cheese Spread, Photo source: online image

"The CFS, through its Food Incident Surveillance System, noted a notification from the Rappel Conso of France that the above-mentioned product is being recalled as it might be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes due to suspected issue with the cold chain. Upon learning of the incident, the CFS immediately contacted local importers to follow up. A preliminary investigation found that the above-mentioned importer had imported into Hong Kong the affected batch of the product concerned," a spokesman for the CFS said.

As a precautionary measure, the importer concerned has stopped sales and removed from shelves the affected batch of the product and has initiated a recall according to the CFS's instructions. Members of the public may call the importer's hotline at 2736 3866 during office hours for enquiries about the recall.

"Listeria monocytogenes can be easily destroyed by cooking but can survive and multiply at refrigerator temperatures. Most healthy individuals do not develop symptoms or only have mild symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, headache, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea when infected. However, severe complications such as septicaemia, meningitis or even death may occur in newborns, the elderly and those with a weaker immune system. Although infected pregnant women may just experience mild symptoms generally, the infection of Listeria monocytogenes may cause miscarriage, infant death, preterm birth, or severe infection in newborns," the spokesman added.

"In order to reduce the risk of listeriosis, susceptible populations such as pregnant women should consume freshly prepared hot food where possible, reheat chilled food until it is hot all the way through, and avoid high-risk foods, including ready-to-eat food such as cold cuts, cold smoked seafood, soft cheeses, salads, etc, or cook them thoroughly before consumption, even if they are presented as part of a dish."

The spokesman advised members of the public to stop consuming the affected batch of the product and seek medical treatment if they feel unwell after consuming the product concerned.

The CFS has contacted the French authority over the incident and will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action to safeguard food safety and public health. The investigation is ongoing.

Spread product, Photo source: online image