Unemployment rate dips to 3.8%

Labour force and total employment both edged lower.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 3.8% in December 2025 to February 2026 from 3.9% in the preceding three-month period, whilst the underemployment rate was unchanged at 1.7%.

The number of unemployed people fell by about 3,700 to 134,700, and the number of underemployed people declined by about 1,700 to 63,400.

Over the same period, total employment slipped by around 2,900 to 3,663,000, and the labour force fell by about 6,600 to 3,797,700.

The Census and Statistics Department said unemployment rates declined across many major sectors, with more distinct decreases in retail, accommodation services, and the foundation and superstructure segment. Movements in underemployment across industries were generally small.

Labour and Welfare Secretary Chris Sun said the broader labour market should continue to be supported by Hong Kong’s economic growth momentum, although some local sectors may still face pressure depending on business performance.

He added that the government would stay vigilant to external uncertainties and monitor any impact on hiring sentiment in relevant sectors.

The figures are provisional and were compiled from the continuous General Household Survey, which covered about 25,000 households or 67,000 people in the December to February period.