Hong Kong's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 3.7% in May-July 2026, unchanged from April-June 2026, according to provisional labour force figures the Census and Statistics Department released on August 20, 2026. The underemployment rate rose from 1.6% to 1.7% over the same comparison.

Total employment increased by around 1,500, from 3,646,100 to 3,647,600, while the labour force grew by around 7,500, from 3,785,800 to 3,793,300. The number of unemployed persons rose by around 6,000 to 145,700, and underemployed persons increased by around 3,800 to 66,200. Without seasonal adjustment, unemployment fell mainly in the foundation and superstructure sector and rose mainly in retail and transportation; underemployment rose mainly in education.

Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun said the jobless rate held steady while both the labour force and total employment grew. He said continued local economic expansion was expected to support labour market conditions, though new graduates and school leavers entering the workforce could add pressure on unemployment, and external headwinds on hiring sentiment warranted attention. The survey covered a sample of about 25,000 households, or 65,000 persons.