Unemployment and underemployment statistics for April - June 2025
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Comparing April - June 2025 with March - May 2025, movements in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) in different industry sectors varied. Decreases were mainly seen in arts, entertainment and recreation sector; and professional and business services sector (excluding cleaning and similar activities) while increases were mainly seen in construction sector and food and beverage service activities sector. Movements in the underemployment rate in different industry sectors also varied, but the magnitudes were generally not large.
Total employment decreased by around 7 400 from 3 664 700 in March - May 2025 to 3 657 300 in April - June 2025. Over the same period, the labour force also decreased by around 7 000 from 3 800 500 to 3 793 500.
The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) in April - June 2025 was 136 200, about the same as that in March - May 2025 (135 800). The number of underemployed persons decreased by around 1 000 from 53 600 in March - May 2025 to 52 600 in April - June 2025.
Commentary
The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said, "While the unemployment and underemployment rates in April - June 2025 remained the same as those of the preceding three-month period, various industries in Hong Kong are undergoing transition and their respective unemployment rates have different trends." Looking ahead, he said, "The trend of unemployment rate will hinge on the overall economic performance. The entry of fresh graduates and school leavers during the summer may impact the overall employment situation. Nevertheless, the continued expansion of the Hong Kong economy should provide support to the labour market."
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 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 April to June 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 January - March 2025 while the next issue covering the quarter April - June 2025 will be available by end August 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/Thursday, July 17, 2025
Issued at HKT 16:30
Issued at HKT 16:30
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