Jobless rate holds at 3.7% as labour force shrinks

Employment fell as fewer people join workforce.

Hong Kong’s unemployment rate stayed at 3.7% in February to April 2026, according to provisional data released by the Census and Statistics Department on 19 May, as both employment and labour force levels declined.

The latest figures follow a slight improvement in the previous period, when the jobless rate eased from 3.8% to 3.7% in January to March 2026.

Employment declined during the period as fewer people participated in the labour force. Within that smaller labour pool, the number of unemployed rose to 139,200. Underemployment, however, continued to ease, falling to 58,100.

By sector, unemployment declined mainly in construction but increased in manufacturing. Underemployment improved in the foundation and superstructure sector, as well as food and beverage services.

Secretary for labour and welfare Chris Sun said the labour market remained broadly stable despite the softer employment figures.

Sun added that the government would continue to monitor external risks, including geopolitical developments, whilst citing continued support from economic growth for labour market conditions.