​According to the latest labour force statistics (i.e. provisional figures for December 2025 - February 2026) released today (March 18) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 3.9% in November 2025 - January 2026 to 3.8% in December 2025 - February 2026. The underemployment rate remained unchanged at 1.7% in the two periods.

     Comparing December 2025 - February 2026 with November 2025 - January 2026, the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in many major economic sectors, with more distinct decreases observed in the retail sector, accommodation services sector, and foundation and superstructure sector. Movements in the underemployment rate in different industry sectors varied, but the magnitudes were generally not large.

     Total employment decreased by around 2 900 from 3 665 900 in November 2025 - January 2026 to 3 663 000 in December 2025 - February 2026. Over the same period, the labour force also decreased by around 6 600 from 3 804 300 to 3 797 700.

     The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) decreased by around 3 700 from 138 400 in November 2025 - January 2026 to 134 700 in December 2025 - February 2026. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons also decreased by around 1 700 from 65 100 to 63 400.

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 from the preceding three-month period to 3.8% in December 2025 - February 2026. Meanwhile, the underemployment rate remained unchanged at 1.7%. Over the same period, the labour force and total employment decreased slightly. The number of unemployed persons also decreased."

     Looking ahead, Mr Chris Sun said, "The sustained growth momentum of the Hong Kong economy should continue to support the overall labour market, though employment situations in some local sectors may still face challenges due to their business performances. The Government will stay vigilant to the development of various external uncertainties, closely monitoring for any implication on corporate hiring sentiment in relevant sectors."

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 December 2025 - February 2026 covered a sample of some 25 000 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 December 2025 to February 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 October - December 2025 while the next issue covering the quarter January - March 2026 will be available by end May 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/Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Issued at HKT 16:30

NNNN