Unemployment edges up to 3.9%

Underemployment holds at 1.7% as employment dips slightly.

Seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 3.9% in November 2025 to January 2026, up from 3.8% in October to December 2025, according to the Census and Statistics Department.

The underemployment rate was unchanged at 1.7%.

Total employment fell by around 1,100 to 3,665,900 in the latest three-month period, whilst the labour force was broadly flat at 3,804,300.

The number of unemployed persons was 138,400, little changed from 138,200 previously.

Increases in the unemployment rate were mainly seen in insurance, construction, and financing, whilst decreases were mainly seen in transportation and cleaning and similar activities, the department said.

Labour and Welfare Secretary Chris Sun said the unemployment rate “edged up” by 0.1 percentage point, and employment saw a marginal decline.

He said economic growth should help support the labour market, although some sectors may remain under pressure.