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The sole proprietor of Carol Restaurant was today (February 11) sentenced to 80 hours' community service order by Tuen Mun Magistrates' Court for wage offences under the Employment Ordinance. He was also ordered to clear the outstanding wages via the court. The prosecution was launched by the Labour Department.
A spokesman for the Labour Department said that the judgment would send a strong message to employers that they had to ensure that wages were paid to employees in accordance with the Employment Ordinance.
The employer failed to pay wages to 11 employees within seven days after the expiry of wage period and the termination of employment as required by the Employment Ordinance.
According to sections 23 and 25 of the Employment Ordinance, wages due upon expiry of the last day of the wage period or upon termination of employment shall be paid as soon as practicable, but not later than seven days. Any employer who fails to do so wilfully and without reasonable excuse commits an offence.
"The Labour Department does not tolerate wage offences and spares no effort in prosecuting employers and directors or responsible persons of limited companies who defy the law," the spokesman said.
Employees who are owed wages should call the Labour Department's complaint hotline, 2815 2200, immediately.
Ends/Thursday, February 11, 2010
Issued at HKT 18:43
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