Research Resources

Official Statistical Sources

Government agencies providing authoritative labor market data

Census and Statistics Department (C&SD)

The primary source for official employment statistics in Hong Kong, including the Quarterly Report on General Household Survey, which provides comprehensive data on labor force characteristics, employment, unemployment, and underemployment. The department also publishes detailed sectoral employment statistics, wage and salary surveys, and demographic workforce profiles.

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Labour Department

Provides information on employment services, job vacancies, labor relations, occupational safety, and workers' compensation. The department publishes monthly employment statistics, vacancy trend reports, and analyses of labor market conditions across different occupational categories and economic sectors.

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Labour and Welfare Bureau

Responsible for formulating policies on labor, employment, human resources, welfare, and rehabilitation services. The bureau provides policy documents, consultations, and strategic frameworks related to workforce development, employment promotion, and labor market regulation.

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Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA)

While primarily focused on monetary and banking policy, the HKMA publishes economic research and analysis that includes examination of labor market dynamics, wage trends, and their relationship to broader macroeconomic conditions and financial stability in Hong Kong.

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Research and Analysis Resources

Organizations conducting labor market research and economic analysis

Hong Kong Productivity Council

Conducts research on productivity enhancement, technological adoption, and workforce skills development. Publishes reports on industry competitiveness, innovation capabilities, and the impact of technology on employment and skill requirements in Hong Kong's manufacturing and service sectors.

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Vocational Training Council (VTC)

Provides insights into vocational education, skills training, and alignment between educational programs and labor market needs. Publishes research on skill gaps, training effectiveness, and industry workforce requirements across various technical and professional fields.

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Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies

Academic research center conducting studies on social, economic, and political developments in Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific region, including labor market trends, demographic changes, and workforce policy analysis.

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International Organizations

Global institutions providing comparative labor market analysis

International Labour Organization (ILO)

UN agency dedicated to promoting decent work, social protection, and labor standards worldwide. Provides international labor statistics, comparative employment data, and research on global labor market trends, including analysis relevant to Hong Kong's regional context.

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Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

Publishes comprehensive employment statistics, labor market policy analysis, and comparative research on workforce trends across developed economies. Offers frameworks and methodologies relevant to analyzing Hong Kong's labor market in international context.

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World Bank

Provides global development data, economic indicators, and research on labor markets, education, and human capital development. Offers comparative perspectives on workforce challenges and policy approaches relevant to Hong Kong's economic development.

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Key Statistical Publications

Essential reports for labor market analysis

Quarterly Report on General Household Survey

Published by C&SD, provides detailed quarterly statistics on Hong Kong's labor force, including employment, unemployment, underemployment rates, and key demographic characteristics of the workforce.

Report on Annual Earnings and Hours Survey

Annual publication by C&SD presenting comprehensive wage and salary data across occupations and industries, including analysis of earnings distribution and compensation trends.

Manpower Survey Reports

Sectoral surveys conducted periodically examining employment, vacancies, and skill requirements in specific industries such as construction, transport, social services, and technology sectors.

Hong Kong Monthly Digest of Statistics

Monthly publication featuring current labor market indicators alongside other economic and social statistics, providing timely updates on employment trends and workforce developments.

Accessing Labor Market Data

How to utilize official statistics for research and analysis

Statistical Tables and Reports

Most government statistical publications are freely available online through agency websites. Historical data series are often accessible through searchable databases, allowing researchers to examine long-term trends and conduct time-series analysis.

Custom Tabulations

Government statistical agencies may provide custom tabulations or specialized data extracts for research purposes, subject to confidentiality requirements and data dissemination policies. Researchers should consult agency guidelines for procedures and requirements.

Methodological Documentation

Understanding survey methodologies, sampling approaches, definitions, and classification systems is essential for proper interpretation of official statistics. Agencies typically provide detailed documentation of their statistical methods and standards.

Data Quality Considerations

Users should be aware of sampling errors, data revisions, seasonal adjustments, and methodological changes when analyzing official statistics. Documentation typically includes guidance on appropriate use and interpretation of published data.

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