Unemployment and underemployment statistics for June - August 2025
******************************************************************
Comparing June - August 2025 with May - July 2025, movements in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) in different industry sectors varied. Increases were mainly seen in the food and beverage service activities sector and manufacturing sector while decreases were mainly seen in the construction sector and professional and business services sector (excluding cleaning and similar activities). As to the underemployment rate, increases were mainly seen in the food and beverage service activities sector; and arts, entertainment and recreation sector while a decrease was mainly seen in the decoration, repair and maintenance for buildings sector.
Total employment increased by around 9 300 from 3 671 300 in May - July 2025 to 3 680 600 in June - August 2025. Over the same period, the labour force also increased by around 15 400 from 3 816 200 to 3 831 600.
The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) increased by around 6 000 from 145 000 in May - July 2025 to 151 000 in June - August 2025. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons also increased by around 4 200 from 55 200 to 59 400.
Commentary
Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said, "The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stayed the same at 3.7% in June - August 2025 as that in the preceding three-month period. The labour force and total employment increased further to 3 831 600 and 3 680 600 respectively."
Looking ahead, Mr Chris Sun said, "While the business situations of certain sectors will continue to weigh on employment, steady growth of the Hong Kong economy as well as the Government's various measures to boost economic momentum and bolster consumption would provide support to 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 June - August 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 June to August 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 April - June 2025 while the next issue covering the quarter July - September 2025 will be available by end November 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, September 16, 2025
Issued at HKT 16:30
Issued at HKT 16:30
NNNN