****************************************************
The following is issued on behalf of the Standard Working Hours Committee:
The Standard Working Hours Committee (SWHC) held its third meeting today (September 25). The Committee was briefed by the Census and Statistics Department on Hong Kong Labour Force Projections and endorsed the work plans of the two working groups (WGs) on "Working Hours Consultation" and "Working Hours Study".
The Chairperson of the Committee, Dr Leong Che-hung, said after the meeting, "The two WGs, specifically responsible for 'Working Hours Consultation' and 'Working Hours Study', have commenced their work actively and had their work plans endorsed at today's meeting. On public consultation, the Committee agreed to conduct wide consultation in four areas, namely the long-working-hours sectors mentioned in the Report of the Policy Study on Standard Working Hours (the Report), specific occupations/professions, the general public and other organisations, with a view to comprehensively collecting opinions on working hours issues. Furthermore, to enhance public understanding of a working hours regime, the SWHC will launch public education and promotional activities by way of setting up a dedicated website, producing TV promotional programmes and conducting roving exhibitions.
"On working hours study, the Committee agreed to use the Annual Earnings and Hours Survey, 'dedicated working hours surveys' and 'a basket of factors' for collecting and analysing the required statistical data and information. Compared with the data and analysis of the Report, the above tools will assist the SWHC to obtain more updated and in-depth local working hours statistics and conduct a more comprehensive analysis and discussion."
Dr Leong added, "The Committee agreed to engage consulting firms to assist with the public consultation and the 'dedicated working hours surveys'. We aim to complete selection of consultants within this year and commence the public consultation and the surveys as soon as possible. The two WGs would strive to complete their work by end-2014, and submit reports to the Committee for deliberation and formulation of the next work stage.
"The Committee will endeavour to foster informed and in-depth discussion in the community with a view to building consensus and assisting the Government to identify the way forward for a working hours policy. We welcome various sectors of the community to give their views through the consultation channels provided by the Committee."
The SWHC comprises a Chairperson and 23 members, including 12 serving members (employer and employee representatives) of the Labour Advisory Board. Of the remaining 11 members, one each comes from the labour sector and the business field, and three each come from academia, the community and the Government.
Ends/Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:03
NNNN
