The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Hong Kong from May to July was 3.7%, while the underemployment rate rose to 1.7%.

According to the latest labor force statistics released today (August 20) by the Hong Kong government's Census and Statistics Department, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for May to July 2026 is 3.7%, the same as the figure for April to June 2026. The underemployment rate rose from 1.6% in April to June 2026 to 1.7% in May to July 2026. Compared to April to June 2026, the unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) varied across industries during May to July 2026, with declines primarily seen in foundation and superstructure works; on the other hand, increases were mainly observed in the retail and transportation sectors. Regarding the underemployment rate, the increase was mainly evident in the education sector. The total number of employed persons rose from 3,646,100 in April to June 2026 to 3,647,600 in May to July 2026, an increase of about 1,500 persons. During the same period, the total labor force also increased from 3,785,800 to 3,793,300, marking an increase of approximately 7,500 persons. The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) increased from 139,700 in April to June 2026 to 145,700 in May to July 2026, an increase of about 6,000. Correspondingly, the number of underemployed persons rose from 62,400 to 66,200, an increase of about 3,800. Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, Secretary for Labor and Welfare Sun Yuk-han stated: "The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for May to July 2026 remains at 3.7%, the same as the previous three-month period. Meanwhile, the underemployment rate has slightly risen by 0.1 percentage points to 1.7%. During the same period, the labor force and total employment numbers have further increased." Looking ahead, Sun Yuk-han said: "The ongoing expansion of the local economy is expected to provide support for the overall labor market, but the influx of fresh graduates and school leavers into the labor market may exert pressure on the unemployment rate. The potential impact of external unfavorable factors on employers' willingness to hire also remains a concern."