Unemployment and underemployment statistics for January - March 2025
According to the latest labour force statistics (i.e. provisional figures for January - March 2025) released today (April 22) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 3.2% in January - March 2025, same as that in December 2024 - February 2025. The underemployment rate also remained unchanged at 1.1% in the two periods.
Comparing January - March 2025 with December 2024 - February 2025, movements in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) in different industry sectors varied. Relatively notable increases were observed in the information and communications sector, social work activities sector, professional and business services sector (excluding cleaning and similar activities), and construction sector. Movements in the underemployment rate in different industry sectors also varied, but the magnitudes were generally not large.
Total employment decreased by around 16 800 from 3 709 500 in December 2024 - February 2025 to 3 692 700 in January - March 2025. Over the same period, the labour force also decreased by around 5 800 from 3 821 300 to 3 815 500.
The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) increased by around 11 100 from 111 700 in December 2024 - February 2025 to 122 800 in January - March 2025. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons also increased by around 2 000 from 40 700 to 42 700.
Commentary
Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said, "The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stayed low at 3.2% in January - March 2025, same as December 2024 - February 2025. The underemployment rate also remained unchanged at 1.1%. The labour force and total employment declined further to 3 815 500 and 3 692 700 respectively from the preceding three-month period."
The unemployment rates of various sectors showed different movements in January - March 2025 compared with the preceding three-month period, with increases recorded in sectors such as the information and communications sector, the social work activities sector, the professional and business services sector (excluding cleaning and similar activities), and the construction sector; while declines were observed in the transportation sector and the insurance sector.
Looking ahead, Mr Sun said, "The increasingly uncertain external environment due to escalated trade conflicts may weigh on hiring sentiment in some sectors. Nonetheless, the continued growth of the Mainland economy, supported by the Central Government's boosting policies, alongside the SAR Government's various policy measures to continuously promote economic growth and support enterprises, are expected to provide support to labour demand. The SAR Government will stay vigilant and continue to closely monitor the labour market situation."
Further information
The unemployment and underemployment statistics were compiled from the findings of the continuous General Household Survey.
In the survey, the definitions used in measuring unemployment and underemployment follow closely those recommended by the International Labour Organization. The employed population covers all employers, self-employed persons, employees (including full-time, part-time, casual workers, etc.) and unpaid family workers. Unemployed persons by industry (or occupation) are classified according to their previous industry (or occupation).
The survey for January - March 2025 covered a sample of some 26 000 households or 68 000 persons, selected in accordance with a scientifically designed sampling scheme to represent the population of Hong Kong. Labour force statistics compiled from this sample represented the situation in the moving three-month period of January to March 2025.
Data on labour force characteristics were obtained from the survey by interviewing each member aged 15 or over in the sampled households.
Statistical tables on the latest labour force statistics can be downloaded at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/scode200.html). More detailed analysis of the labour force characteristics is given in the "Quarterly Report on General Household Survey" which is published four times a year. The latest issue of the report contains statistics for the quarter October - December 2024 while the next issue covering the quarter January - March 2025 will be available by end May 2025. Users can also browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1050001&scode=200).
For enquiries about labour force statistics, please contact the General Household Survey Section (3) of the C&SD (Tel: 2887 5508 or email: ghs@censtatd.gov.hk).
