Unemployment rate up 3.9% in September

Total employment grew by 3,000 to 3.655 million.

Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 3.9% in July to September 2026, up from 3.8% in the previous three-month period, according to the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD).

The underemployment rate also increased to 2% from 1.9%, based on provisional figures released on October 22.

Total employment increased by 3,000 to 3.655 million from 3.652 million in June to August. The labour force grew by 4,100 to 3.81 million from 3.8059 million.

The number of unemployed people rose by 1,100 to 155,000, while the number of underemployed people increased by 2,900 to 75,000.

Amongst industry sectors, unemployment rates rose more noticeably in social work activities, and warehousing and support activities for transportation. Underemployment increased mainly in food and beverage service activities and retail.

Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun said the unemployment rate rose by 0.1 percentage point, whilst the underemployment rate also increased by 0.1 percentage point.

Both the labour force and total employment grew amid the continued entry of fresh graduates and school leavers into the labour market.

"The sustained expansion of the local economy, improving business sentiment and continued growth in visitor arrivals are expected to underpin the overall employment situation, particularly in the consumption- and tourism-related sectors,” Sun said.

The government will continue to monitor how external uncertainties affect corporate hiring sentiment and provide jobseekers with appropriate support, he added.