***********************************************************
Following is a question by the Hon Emily Lau and a written reply by the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Paul Tang, in the Legislative Council today (June 5):
Question:
In connection with the employment situation of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the Government and public organisations, will the Executive Authorities inform this Council:
(a) of the number of cases in each of the years from 2004 to 2012 in which PWDs were referred by the Selective Placement Division (SPD) of the Labour Department to apply for jobs in the Government; the annual changes of such numbers and the causes of such changes;
(b) of the current number of PWDs employed in the Government and the percentage of such number in the total number of government employees, with a breakdown by post (set out in a table);
(c) as it has been reported that a PWD has been unsuccessful in her job applications through SPD since 2009 even though she has been arranged to attend an interview each month for government posts, of the criteria adopted by the authorities for employing PWDs; and
(d) whether the authorities will consider afresh taking the lead in formulating a quota system for employing PWDs in government departments and public organisations by specifying a mandatory target for employing PWDs at 2% of the total number of employees; if they will, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
(a) According to the information provided by the Labour and Welfare Bureau, from 2004 to 2012, the number of referrals made by the Selective Placement Division (SPD) of the Labour Department for persons with disabilities to apply for government posts and the percentage change of the figure over that of the previous year are at Annex.
In respect of government vacancies, job-seekers with disabilities who have registered with SPD for employment service can use SPD's referral services in making job applications or they can submit applications for the post to the recruiting department themselves. As such, the number of referrals made by SPD for government posts in a year depends on: the number of government vacancies available in the period; the types, salary package and entry requirements of the posts; job preference of the job-seekers with disabilities; whether they meet the entry requirements of the posts; and whether they choose to apply for these posts through SPD.
(b) We compile statistics on the number of persons with disabilities being employed in the Civil Service as at March 31 each year. As at March 31, 2012, the number of persons with disabilities in the Civil Service (excluding persons with colour blindness or defective colour perception) is 3,391, representing 2% of the strength of civil servants. We do not compile breakdown statistics by ranks of persons with disabilities in the Civil Service.
According to prevailing policy, there is no mandatory requirement for government employees or job applicants to declare their disability status (if any). Hence, the statistics only reflect the information available to the departmental management. For example, information on disabilities provided by job applicants with disabilities in connection with their request for special arrangement to attend an interview, or applications for government fund to finance the purchase of technical aids for officers with disabilities to facilitate their performance of duties.
(c) Appointments to the Civil Service are based on the principle of open and fair competition. Applicants in an open recruitment exercise are assessed on the basis of their ability, performance and character, and having regard to the stipulated entry requirements set according to the job requirements of the grade concerned.
As regards employment of persons with disabilities, the Government has put in place measures to facilitate their participation in the selection process for recruitment. Also, we are committed to promoting their employment opportunities through enabling job applicants with disabilities to compete with other able-bodied applicants on equal grounds and implementing suitable facilitating measures. Specifically, applicants with disabilities who meet the basic entry requirements for a post will not be subject to any shortlisting criteria and will be automatically invited to selection interview. If they request special arrangements to attend an interview in the recruitment exercise, departments concerned will consider their request and make appropriate arrangements. Applicants with disabilities may be given an appropriate degree of preference if they are found suitable for appointment.
(d) According to studies on promotion of employment of persons with disabilities conducted by the European Commission and the International Labour Organisation in 2000 and 2003 respectively, a mandatory employment quota system has not been proven successful overseas in helping persons with disabilities secure employment. Some countries have already abolished the quota system. The prevailing trend has moved away from employment quota system to anti-discrimination legislation and enhanced support measures for persons with disabilities.
Under a mandatory employment quota system or compulsory indicator, persons with disabilities might be perceived as a liability, making them difficult to be accepted by their peers at work. This is not conducive to their integration. Given this, we consider that persons with disabilities should be assisted to find suitable jobs based on their abilities rather than disabilities. On this basis, the Government will continue to implement its policy and facilitating measures with a view to facilitating persons with disabilities who are interested in joining the Civil Service in applying for government posts. For public and other organisations, the Government will continue to adopt positive encouragement measures to enhance job opportunities for persons with disabilities, such as giving due recognition to good employers, sharing good practices, and providing incentive and assistance to employers, etc.
Ends/Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:32
NNNN
