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Focus Design Limited and its responsible person were sentenced to a fine of $85,000 and 160 hours' community service order respectively for offences under the Employment Ordinance at the Shatin Magistrates' Courts today (October 30). The company and its responsible person were also ordered to clear the outstanding amount of about $120,000 to four employees via the court. The prosecution was launched by the Labour Department.
The company failed to pay wages to four employees within seven days subsequent to the expiry of wage periods and termination of employment, as required by the Employment Ordinance. The total amount of payment involved was about $120,000. Furthermore, the company also failed to pay the Labour Tribunal awarded sum of about $120,000 to four employees within 14 days after it became due.
The responsible person was convicted for his consent, connivance or neglect in the above offences.
"The judgment would disseminate a strong message to all employers and responsible persons of companies that they have to pay wages to employees in accordance with the Employment Ordinance and awarded sums according to the terms of the awards issued by the Labour Tribunal or the Minor Employment Claims Adjudication Board," a spokesman for the Labour Department said.
"The Labour Department does not tolerate the above offences and will spare no effort in enforcing the law and protecting employees' statutory rights," the spokesman added.
Ends/Friday, October 30, 2015
Issued at HKT 13:04
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