*********************************************************
The Task Force on Manpower Development of the Retail Industry has concluded its work and submitted a Report today (December 30) to the Government.
Since its appointment in March 2013, the Task Force has met five times and studied the relevant issues including industry performance and its future outlook, the current manpower situation, projection of manpower demand and supply and measures already in place to help nurture the necessary manpower. The Task Force has also made reference to overseas experience, and the manpower-related measures being adopted by the construction industry in Hong Kong. The views of youngsters on their perception of the retail industry have also been sought.
The Task Force recommends a multi-pronged strategy to tackle the manpower tightening problem in the industry. The strategy covers various recommendations under the following five major areas:
(a) adopting good people management policies in the workplace;
(b) providing recruitment, employment and placement services more targeted at the retail industry;
(c) strengthening vocational education and training on retail and promoting retail work experience for students;
(d) raising the retail industry's image; and
(e) managing manpower demand through enhancement in productivity.
The Task Force has also observed a tightening of the general manpower situation brought about by wider structural issues, and a projected overall manpower shortage from 2018 onwards, which would affect not only the retail sector but also the whole economy. The Task Force would relay the relevant observations as regards the retail sector to the Steering Committee on Population Policy for deliberation in the context of population policy.
The Task Force's Report can be downloaded from the following website: www.cedb.gov.hk/citb/en/Councils_Boards_Committees/Task_Force_on_Manpower_Development.html.¡@
The Chairman of the Task Force, Professor Andrew Chan, thanked Members for their industrious efforts over the past nine months.
A Government spokesman also expressed appreciation for the work of the Task Force. The relevant bureaux and departments would examine the recommendations in detail, and give responses in due course.
In view of manpower tightening in the retail industry, the Task Force was appointed by the Financial Secretary in March 2013 to review the manpower needs of the retail sector and advise the Government on matters relating to the overall manpower development of the industry in order to sustain its longer term growth. The Task Force draws on the expertise and experience of individuals within the retail sector and beyond, and includes relevant government officials.
Ends/Monday, December 30, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:22
NNNN
