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The Selective Placement Division (SPD) of the Labour Department successfully assisted more than 2,100 disabled job-seekers secure employment from January to October this year, an increase of 8% over the same period last year.
The majority of those placed into employment this year are hearing-impaired, ex-mentally ill and mentally handicapped people. Many of them are employed in the transport, manufacturing and service sectors or perform sales and clerical work.
Addressing the presentation ceremony of the Outstanding Disabled Employees Award and Enlightened Employers Award today (November 21), the Permanent Secretary for Economic Development and Labour, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, said that the SPD had spared no effort in promoting and assisting the disabled in open employment.
The SPS had already assisted over 35,000 job-seekers with disabilities secure employment since its establishment in 1980.
Mr Cheung pointed out that there was an increasing demand for labour as a result of Hong Kong's sustained economic growth. Disabled people must equip themselves well and enhance their employability in order to secure employment in the competitive labour market, he said.
"To this end, we launched the Work Orientation and Placement Scheme in April, providing pre-employment training for disabled job-seekers to enhance their job-searching skills and self-confidence. The scheme also offers a three-month financial incentive for employers."
More than 220 disabled people joined the work trial session of the scheme. Seventy-one of them have already completed the three-month work trial and have been offered continued employment by their employers.
"The Labour Department will continue its Self-help Integrated Placement Service Programme to help job-seekers obtain the latest labour market information and cultivate among the disabled a more positive attitude about job searching."
"Through our tailor-made Interactive Selective Placement Service web-page, we provide a 24-hour online service for disabled job-seekers, employers and other members of the public," he said.
Mr Cheung said that the Outstanding Disabled Employees Award and Enlightened Employers Award could enhance public understanding of the working abilities of the disabled. He hoped that the community would continue to support the department's selective placement service and collaborate to foster a fair and open society.
The presentation ceremony of the Outstanding Disabled Employees Award and Enlightened Employers Award was organised by the Labour Department.
The 12 Outstanding Disabled Employees this year are Ms Ko Wan-sim (a clerical assistant), Mr Leung Kim-ming (a systems analyst), Mr Sin Tsz-yeung (a room attendant), Mr Li Yip-fuk (an administrator), Mr Lui Chi-hung (a business development specialist), Mr Kung Hing-pong (a groom), Mr Hui Siu-hung (a domestic service assistant), Mr Leung Yu-lam (a general assistant), Mr Chung Hon-wing (a labourer), Mr Chau Tin-cheung (a teacher), Mr Tsoi King-pui (a data processing assistant) and Ms Lena Leung(a customer care officer).
The 10 Enlightened Employers who have made special efforts in employing people with disabilities are the Azure Shine Limited, Department of Health, Goodyear (Mak's) Services Company Limited, Landes Hong Kong Limited, Market Pro Associates, Polysurplus Pharmaceutical Limited, Prince of Peace (Hong Kong) Limited, Smart Soup Company Limited, Tin Kee Car Services Company and Wing King Tong Printing Limited.
Ends/Monday, November 21, 2005
Issued at HKT 15:10
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