Unemployment and underemployment statistics for November 2025 - January 2026
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Comparing November 2025 - January 2026 with October - December 2025, movements in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) and underemployment rate in different industry sectors varied, but the magnitudes were generally not large. Increases in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) were mainly seen in the insurance sector, construction sector and financing sector while decreases were mainly seen in the transportation sector and cleaning and similar activities sector.
Total employment decreased by around 1 100 from 3 667 000 in October - December 2025 to 3 665 900 in November 2025 - January 2026. The labour force in November 2025 - January 2026 was 3 804 300, about the same as that in October - December 2025 (3 805 200).
The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) in November 2025 - January 2026 was 138 400, about the same as that in October - December 2025 (138 200). The number of underemployed persons in November 2025 - January 2026 was 65 100, about the same as that in October - December 2025 (64 800).
Commentary
Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said, "The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged up by 0.1 percentage point over the preceding three-month period to 3.9% in November 2025 - January 2026. Meanwhile, the underemployment rate remained unchanged at 1.7%. The labour force was broadly on a par with the level in the preceding three-month period. Over the same period, total employment saw a marginal decrease."
Looking ahead, Mr Sun said, "The sustained growth momentum of the Hong Kong economy should help buttress the overall labour market. Nonetheless, the employment situations in some sectors may continue to be under pressure amid their challenging operating environments."
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 2025 - January 2026 covered a sample of some 26 000 households or 67 000 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 2025 to January 2026.
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 2025 while the next issue covering the quarter October - December 2025 will be available by end February 2026. 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/Friday, February 20, 2026
Issued at HKT 16:30
Issued at HKT 16:30
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