Hong Kong's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose slightly to 3.9% for July to September.

According to the latest labour force statistics (i.e. provisional figures for July to September 2026) published today (October 22) by the Census and Statistics Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 3.8% in June to August 2026 to 3.9% in July to September 2026. The underemployment rate also increased from 1.9% in June to August 2026 to 2.0% in July to September 2026. Comparing July to September 2026 with June to August 2026, the unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) in various sectors changed to varying degrees, with relatively noticeable increases in the social work activities sector, and the warehousing and transportation auxiliary activities sector. As for the underemployment rate, the increases were mainly seen in the food and beverage service activities sector and the retail sector. The total number of employed persons increased from 3,652,000 in June to August 2026 to 3,655,000 in July to September 2026, an increase of about 3,000. The total labour force also increased from 3,805,900 to 3,810,000 over the same period, an increase of about 4,100. The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) increased from 153,900 in June to August 2026 to 155,000 in July to September 2026, an increase of about 1,100. The number of underemployed persons also increased from 72,100 to 75,000 over the same period, an increase of about 2,900. Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said: "The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for July to September 2026 edged up by 0.1 percentage point from the preceding three-month period to 3.9%. The underemployment rate also edged up by 0.1 percentage point to 2.0%. Over the same period, the labour force and total employment further increased as fresh graduates and school leavers continued to enter the labour market." Looking ahead, Mr Sun said: "The continued expansion of the local economy, improvement in the business sentiment, and the continued growth in visitor arrivals are expected to provide support to the overall employment situation, particularly for sectors related to consumption and tourism. Meanwhile, the Government will continue to closely monitor the potential impact of external uncertainties on the hiring sentiment of enterprises, and provide appropriate support to job seekers."