Unemployment Rate Holds Steady at 3.7% Amid Rising Underemployment for May - July 2026

Unemployment and underemployment statistics for May - July 2026

According to the latest labour force statistics (i.e. provisional figures for May - July 2026) released today (August 20) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 3.7% in May - July 2026, same as that in April - June 2026. The underemployment rate increased from 1.6% in April - June 2026 to 1.7% in May - July 2026.

The Census and Statistics Department, Photo source: reference image

Comparing May - July 2026 with April - June 2026, movements in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) in different industry sectors varied. Decrease was mainly seen in the foundation and superstructure sector while increases were mainly seen in the retail sector and transportation sector. As to the underemployment rate, increase was mainly seen in the education sector.

Total employment increased by around 1 500 from 3 646 100 in April - June 2026 to 3 647 600 in May - July 2026. Over the same period, the labour force also increased by around 7 500 from 3 785 800 to 3 793 300.

The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) increased by around 6 000 from 139 700 in April - June 2026 to 145 700 in May - July 2026. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons also increased by around 3 800 from 62 400 to 66 200.

Photo source: reference image

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 May - July 2026, same as that in the preceding three-month period. Meanwhile, the underemployment rate edged up by 0.1 percentage point to 1.7%. Over the same period, both the labour force and total employment increased further."

Looking ahead, Mr Sun 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."

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 May - July 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 May to July 2026.

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

Photo source: reference image

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).

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is conducting a series of inter-departmental emergency drills at the Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area, including mock scenarios of a traffic accident, power outage, lift failure and electrical short circuit, to test departmental emergency response ahead of the port’s opening.

The Fire Services Department executes an elevator rescue operation during a scenario-based exercise.

One of the drills simulated a traffic accident involving three private cars at the public transport interchange inside the Hong Kong Port Area. The scenario involved multiple injuries, prompting emergency crews to rush to the scene.

Firefighters first ensured that the area was secure and that no one was trapped before assessing the casualties and then standing by with a charged hose line as a precaution.

Ambulance personnel then provided further medical treatment before taking the injured to hospital. Meanwhile, police officers investigated the cause of the simulated crash and conducted a breath test on a driver.

The Electrical & Mechanical Services Department simulates a failure of the building’s power and air-conditioning systems to test its response and emergency repair capabilities.

The Fire Services Department also staged a rescue operation inside the port building, where four travellers were simulated as trapped in a lift, complaining of dizziness and discomfort.

Firefighters safely opened the lift doors using a manual key after confirming that the power supply was switched off.

After initial checks, two of the rescued travellers were sent to hospital for further treatment.

Another drill simulated an electrical appliance short circuit in a building rest area, forcing a large number of travellers to evacuate.

During a simulated traffic accident, firefighters and ambulance personnel work in co-ordination to rescue an injured person trapped inside a vehicle.

Emergency teams directed travellers out of the building, while arriving firefighters deployed a hose line to prevent potential flare-ups. One traveller felt unwell and was taken to hospital.

In a separate development, the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department, together with other government departments, staged emergency scenarios including a simulated power failure, a breakdown of the air-conditioning system and a sudden escalator failure.

Under the department’s supervision, technical staff carried out emergency repairs to ensure a swift resumption of services.

After the establishment of the Hong Kong Port Area, the Hong Kong SAR Government continues to conduct drills and exercises of varying scales to ensure relevant departments and units familiarise themselves with handling different emergency situations.