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The employer of a foreign domestic helper was sentenced to 120 hours' community service order at Shatin Magistrates' Courts today (June 27) for underpaying wages to his helper. The employer was also ordered to clear the outstanding wages via the court. The prosecution was initiated by the Labour Department.
The employer failed to pay wages according to the minimum allowable wage of $3,580 as set out in the employment contract signed by both parties in 2009. The total amount underpaid was $14,420.
According to section 23 of the Employment Ordinance, wages due on expiry of the last day of the wage period 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 is liable to a maximum fine of $350,000 and imprisonment for three years.
"Employers of foreign domestic helpers should not pay their helpers below the minimum allowable wage stipulated by the Government. Furthermore, employees, including foreign domestic helpers, who are owed wages should promptly report to the Labour Department, assist in investigation and give evidence to protect their interests. The Labour Department does not tolerate wage offences and spares no effort in prosecuting employers who defy the law," a spokesman for the Labour Department said.
The spokesman urged employees who were owed wages to call to the department's complaints hotline on 2815 2200 immediately.
Ends/Monday, June 27, 2011
Issued at HKT 15:54
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