Hong Kong's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 3.8% from June to August, while the underemployment rate rose to 1.9%.

According to the latest labour force statistics (i.e. provisional figures for June to August 2026) published today (September 17) by the Census and Statistics Department of the Hong Kong SAR Government, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 3.7% in May to July 2026 to 3.8% in June to August 2026. The underemployment rate also increased from 1.7% in May to July 2026 to 1.9% in June to August 2026. Comparing May to July 2026 with June to August 2026, the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) increased in most major economic sectors, with a relatively distinct increase in the food and beverage service activities sector. As for the underemployment rate, an increase was mainly observed in the food and beverage service activities sector and the construction sector. The total number of employed persons increased from 3 647 600 in May to July 2026 to 3 652 000 in June to August 2026, an increase of about 4 400. The total labour force also increased from 3 793 300 to 3 805 900 over the same period, an increase of about 12 600. The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) increased from 145 700 in May to July 2026 to 153 900 in June to August 2026, an increase of about 8 200. The number of underemployed persons also increased from 66 200 to 72 100 over the same period, an increase of about 5 900. Commentary Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said, "The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in June to August 2026 edged up by 0.1 percentage point from the preceding three-month period to 3.8%. The underemployment rate also rose by 0.2 percentage point to 1.9%. The labour force and total employment further increased over the same period." Looking ahead, Mr Sun said, "The continued expansion of the local economy is expected to provide support to the overall labour market, though the employment situation in various sectors will still depend on their respective business environments. Meanwhile, the potential impact of evolving external uncertainties on companies' hiring sentiment warrants attention."