Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 3.9 percent in November 2025 to January 2026 from 3.8 percent in October to December last year, official data showed on Friday.

The underemployment rate remained unchanged at 1.7 percent in the two periods, according to data from the Census and Statistics Department.  

"The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged up by 0.1 percentage point over the preceding three-month period to 3.9 percent in November 2025 - January 2026,” said Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han.

ALSO READ: Hong Kong's jobless rate steady at 3.8%

“The labor force was broadly on a par with the level in the preceding three-month period. Over the same period, total employment saw a marginal decrease."

Increases in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) were mainly seen in the insurance sector, construction sector and financing sector while decreases were mainly seen in the transportation sector and cleaning and similar activities sector.

Total employment decreased by around 1,100 from 3,667,000 in October to December last year to 3,665 900 in November 2025 to January 2026.

The labor force in November 2025 - January 2026 was 3,804,300, about the same as the 3,805,200 recorded in October to December last year.

READ MORE: SAR’s economy defies the global tumultuousness

The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) in November 2025 to January 2026 was 138,400, also about the same to the 138,200 in October to December 2025.

Looking ahead, Sun said the sustained growth momentum of Hong Kong’s economy should help buttress the overall labor market.

“Nonetheless, the employment situations in some sectors may continue to be under pressure amid their challenging operating environments," he said.