Unemployment and underemployment statistics for March - May 2026
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Comparing March - May 2026 with February - April 2026, movements in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) in different industry sectors varied. Decrease was mainly seen in the cleaning and similar activities sector while increases were mainly seen in the social work activities sector and accommodation services sector. Movements in the underemployment rate in different industry sectors also varied, but the magnitudes were generally not large.
Total employment decreased by around 8 700 from 3 648 000 in February - April 2026 to 3 639 300 in March - May 2026. Over the same period, the labour force also decreased by around 6 900 from 3 787 200 to 3 780 300.
The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) increased by around 1 900 from 139 200 in February - April 2026 to 141 100 in March - May 2026. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons decreased by around 1 300 from 58 100 to 56 800.
Commentary
Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said, "The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stayed at 3.7% in March - May 2026, same as that in the preceding three-month period. The underemployment rate also remained unchanged at 1.5%. Over the same period, the labour force and total employment decreased slightly."
Looking ahead, Mr Sun said, "The ongoing economic expansion should continue to render support to the overall labour market. The Government will continue to closely monitor the evolving external uncertainties and their potential implications on the Hong Kong economy."
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 March - May 2026 covered a sample of some 25 000 households or 65 000 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 March to May 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 January - March 2026 while the next issue covering the quarter April - June 2026 will be available by end August 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/Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Issued at HKT 16:30
Issued at HKT 16:30
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