N環球 
Hong Kong unemployment edges up to 3.9% as labour force expands
Hong Kong's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 3.9% in July–September 2026; underemployment climbed to 2%. The labour secretary says economic expansion and rising visitor arrivals should support jobs.
Why it matters
Hong Kong's jobless rate ticked higher again: seasonally adjusted unemployment rose from 3.8% in June–August to 3.9% in July–September 2026, with underemployment up to 2%. Total employment and the labour force both grew, suggesting the government view that the labour market remains underpinned by economic expansion.
Full report
The Census and Statistics Department released the latest labour force figures on October 22: seasonally adjusted unemployment for July–September 2026 was 3.9%, up 0.1 percentage point. The underemployment rate rose from 1.9% to 2%. On a non-seasonally-adjusted basis the unemployment rate was 4.1%, with about 155,000 unemployed (up about 1,100) and about 75,000 underemployed (up about 2,900). RTHK reported on October 22 that total employment rose to about 3.655 million (up about 3,000) and the labour force grew to about 3.81 million, reflecting fresh graduates and jobseekers entering the market.
By sector, notable increases in unemployment were seen in social work activities and in warehousing and support activities for transportation. Underemployment was concentrated in food and beverage services and retail, reflecting shorter hours rather than outright layoffs. Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun said sustained expansion of the local economy, improving business sentiment and continued growth in visitor arrivals should support overall employment, particularly in consumption- and tourism-related sectors, while the government will monitor how external uncertainties affect hiring willingness and continue supporting jobseekers.
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