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The following is issued on behalf of the Minimum Wage Commission:
The Minimum Wage Commission (MWC) today (April 7) launched a six-week public consultation to invite views from various sectors of the community, including members of the public and stakeholders, on the review of the Statutory Minimum Wage (SMW) rate.
MWC adopts an evidence-based approach in conducting the review of the SMW rate. Apart from analysing relevant statistical data, MWC examines information collected from other surveys and conducts extensive consultation to consider fully views of the community regarding the review of the SMW rate.
Relevant information and data have been uploaded onto MWC's website (www.mwc.org.hk). Such information and data are provided for reference only, and they do not imply that MWC has come to any conclusion. To this end, MWC looks forward to receiving views on the review of the SMW rate from members of the public and stakeholders. Reference can also be made to the 2013 Report on Annual Earnings and Hours Survey released by the Census and Statistics Department, which is available at the department's website (www.censtatd.gov.hk).
Various sectors of the community are welcome to forward their views to MWC by fax to 2110 3518; or by email to mwc@labour.gov.hk; or by post to 1/F, Harbour Building, 38 Pier Road, Central, Hong Kong, on or before May 18.
MWC is tasked to report to the Chief Executive in Council its recommendation on the SMW rate. In performing its function, MWC must have regard to the need to maintain an appropriate balance between the objectives of forestalling excessively low wages and minimising the loss of low-paid jobs, and the need to sustain Hong Kong's economic growth and competitiveness.
Ends/Monday, April 7, 2014
Issued at HKT 10:00
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