Unemployment and underemployment statistics for January - March 2026
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Comparing January - March 2026 with December 2025 - February 2026, movements in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) in different industry sectors varied, with a more notable decrease observed in the accommodation services sector. As to the underemployment rate, a decrease was mainly seen in the foundation and superstructure sector.
Total employment decreased by around 7 300 from 3 663 000 in December 2025 - February 2026 to 3 655 700 in January - March 2026. Over the same period, the labour force also decreased by around 5 300 from 3 797 700 to 3 792 400.
The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) increased by around 1 900 from 134 700 in December 2025 - February 2026 to 136 600 in January - March 2026. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons decreased by around 3 300 from 63 400 to 60 100.
Commentary
Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said, "The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged down further by 0.1 percentage point from the preceding three-month period to 3.7% in January - March 2026. Meanwhile, the underemployment rate also edged down by 0.1 percentage point to 1.6%. Over the same period, the labour force and total employment decreased slightly."
Looking ahead, Mr Sun said, "The sustained growth of the Hong Kong economy should underpin the overall labour market. The Government will continue to closely monitor the developments in geopolitical tensions and assess the potential implications for the labour market."
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 January - March 2026 covered a sample of some 25 000 households or 66 000 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 January to March 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/Thursday, April 23, 2026
Issued at HKT 16:30
Issued at HKT 16:30
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