Jobless rate steady at 3.7% in March to May

The underemployment rate also remained unchanged at 1.5%, whilst total employment slipped slightly.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 3.7% in March to May 2026, unchanged from the preceding three-month period, according to the Census and Statistics Department.

The underemployment rate also remained steady at 1.5% over the same period.

Total employment decreased by around 8,700, from 3,648,000 in February to April 2026 to 3,639,300 in March to May 2026.

The labour force also fell 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 to 141,100 in March to May 2026 from 139,200 in the previous three-month period.

Meanwhile, the number of underemployed persons decreased by around 1,300, from 58,100 to 56,800.

By sector, the unemployment rate decreased mainly in the cleaning and similar activities sector. Increases were mainly seen in the social work activities and accommodation services sectors.

Movements in the underemployment rate across different industry sectors varied, but the changes were generally not large, C&SD said.

Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun said the labour force and total employment decreased slightly, whilst the unemployment and underemployment rates were unchanged.

“The ongoing economic expansion should continue to render support to the overall labour market,” Sun said.

He added that the government will continue to monitor external uncertainties and their potential impact on the Hong Kong economy.

The figures were compiled from the continuous General Household Survey, which covered around 25,000 households or 65,000 persons for the March to May 2026 period.