Unemployment and underemployment statistics for November 2024 - January 2025
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Comparing November 2024 - January 2025 with October - December 2024, movements in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) and underemployment rate in different industry sectors varied, but the magnitudes were generally not large.
Total employment decreased by around 2 300 from 3 718 900 in October - December 2024 to 3 716 600 in November 2024 - January 2025. Over the same period, the labour force also decreased by around 5 700 from 3 832 400 to 3 826 700.
The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) decreased by around 3 500 from 113 600 in October - December 2024 to 110 100 in November 2024 - January 2025. The number of underemployed persons in November 2024 - January 2025 was 43 000, about the same as that in October - December 2024 (43 500).
Commentary
Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said, "The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stayed low at 3.1% in November 2024 - January 2025, same as October - December 2024. The underemployment rate also remained unchanged at 1.1%. The labour force and total employment were at 3 826 700 and 3 716 600 respectively, declining slightly from the preceding three-month period."
Compared with the preceding three-month period, the unemployment rates of various sectors showed diverse movements in November 2024 - January 2025, but the changes were not large in general.
Looking ahead, Mr Sun said, "The labour market should remain largely stable in the near term, though uncertainties in the global economy would continue to pose challenges to some businesses."
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 November 2024 - January 2025 covered a sample of some 26 000 households or 68 000 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 November 2024 to January 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 July - September 2024 while the next issue covering the quarter October - December 2024 will be available by end February 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: 2887 5508 or email: ghs@censtatd.gov.hk).
Ends/Tuesday, February 18, 2025
Issued at HKT 16:30
Issued at HKT 16:30
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