Unemployment and underemployment statistics for August - October 2025
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Comparing August - October 2025 with July - September 2025, the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in many major economic sectors, with more distinct decreases observed in the retail, accommodation and food services sector; professional and business services sector (excluding cleaning and similar activities); foundation and superstructure sector; and financing sector. Movements in the underemployment rate in different industry sectors varied, but the magnitudes were generally not large.
Total employment decreased by around 1 800 from 3 674 500 in July - September 2025 to 3 672 700 in August - October 2025. Over the same period, the labour force also decreased by around 7 800 from 3 830 100 to 3 822 300.
The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) decreased by around 6 000 from 155 600 in July - September 2025 to 149 600 in August - October 2025. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons increased by around 800 from 60 000 to 60 800.
Commentary
Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said, "The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged down by 0.1 percentage point over the preceding three-month period to 3.8% in August - October 2025. The underemployment rate remained unchanged at 1.6%. Over the same period, the labour force and total employment decreased slightly, while the number of unemployed persons also decreased."
Looking ahead, Mr Chris Sun said, "the solid expansion of the Hong Kong economy, along with the steadfast improvement in business sentiment and the gradual recovery in consumption confidence, should provide support to the labour market. However, the employment situations of some sectors would continue to face challenges from economic restructuring."
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 August - October 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 August to October 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, November 18, 2025
Issued at HKT 16:30
Issued at HKT 16:30
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