Unemployment and underemployment statistics for May - July 2025
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Comparing May - July 2025 with April - June 2025, the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) increased in many major economic sectors, with more distinct increases observed in the foundation and superstructure sector, food and beverage service activities sector, retail sector and real estate sector. Meanwhile, declines in the unemployment rate were seen in the cleaning and similar activities sector; decoration, repair and maintenance for buildings sector; and social work activities sector. Movements in the underemployment rate in different industry sectors also varied, but the magnitudes were generally not large.
Total employment increased by around 14 000 from 3 657 300 in April - June 2025 to 3 671 300 in May - July 2025. Over the same period, the labour force also increased by around 22 700 from 3 793 500 to 3 816 200.
The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) increased by around 8 800 from 136 200 in April - June 2025 to 145 000 in May - July 2025. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons also increased by around 2 600 from 52 600 to 55 200.
Commentary
The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said, "Although the latest unemployment rate rose slightly over the preceding three-month period, we note the positive development that the total employment also increased during the same period. The uptick in the number of unemployed persons was partly attributable to the influx of fresh graduates and school leavers entering the labour market."
Looking ahead, Mr Sun said, "The sustained growth of the Hong Kong economy should be able to drive job creation, creating more employment opportunities for fresh graduates and school leavers joining the labour force. While unemployment rates across various industries will continue to hinge on their respective business conditions, the Government's various measures to promote economic growth, bolster consumption sentiment and attract investment are anticipated to support the overall labour demand."
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 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 May to July 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/Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Issued at HKT 16:30
Issued at HKT 16:30
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