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The following is issued on behalf of the Standard Working Hours Committee:
The Standard Working Hours Committee (SWHC) held its 12th meeting today (May 26).
The Chairperson of SWHC, Dr Leong Che-hung, said after the meeting, "With reference to the findings of the dedicated working hours survey and the public engagement and consultation on working hours, SWHC agreed in principle to recommend a legislative approach to implement a policy to regulate the working hours of employees. This will include a mandatory requirement for employers and employees in general to enter into written employment contracts specifying working hours arrangements (the 'big frame'). At the same time, SWHC will explore whether there is a need for other suitable measure(s) to protect grassroots employees with less bargaining power (the 'small frame'). Having regard to the varied circumstances of different sectors/occupations, SWHC holds the view that a working hours policy should provide the necessary flexibility and hence an 'across-the-board' legislative approach is inappropriate."
"At the meeting today, SWHC members have, on the basis of previous discussions, further considered the analysis required for exploring the 'small frame', and the possible terms under the 'big frame'. SWHC agreed to conduct relevant data analyses and impact assessment for exploring the 'small frame'; and to task the secretariat to consolidate various working hours employment terms and related issues for the 'big frame', so that SWHC could further consider and discuss the directions and content of a working hours policy."
Dr Leong added, "In contemplating a working hours policy, SWHC will carefully consider various factors including employees' overtime work situation, as well as the possible impacts on employers, employees, individual trades/enterprises (particularly small and medium-sized enterprises) and the Hong Kong economy with a view to formulating working hours policy options suitable for Hong Kong."
Chaired by Dr Leong Che-hung, SWHC comprises members drawn from the labour and business sectors, academia, the community and the Government. For details, please refer to the SWHC website (www.swhc.org.hk).
Ends/Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:35
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