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More service units of government departments will move to a five-day week from July 1 when the Government implements the final phase of its five-day week scheme.
People can visit the website (www.gov.hk/info/5day/) or call the 24-hour 1823 Citizen's Easy Link for details of the Government's five-day week arrangements.
Service units joining the five-day week in final phase include the Land Registry, Social Welfare Department's Social Security Field Units, Department of Health's tuberculosis and chest and social hygiene services, and some offices of the Hong Kong Police Force.
"As in earlier phases, departments have ensured that the overall level of service available to the public will be compensated fully (if not more than) during weekdays, following the non-provision of services to the public on Saturday," a government spokesman said.
Alternative means of service delivery including drop-in boxes and enhanced enquiry service will be introduced where necessary. At the initial stage of implementation, relevant departments will closely monitor public reaction and render assistance to facilitate the public to adapt to the new opening hours.
The following units and services will move to the five-day week with effect from July 1:(see Table)
"In implementing the five-day week initiative, the overall level and efficiency of government services is maintained," the spokesman said. "Emergency and essential services are not affected. Services such as those involving the maintenance of law and order, administration of penal institutions and provision of rescue services will continue to be provided round the clock."
The Government adheres to the four basic principles in taking forward the five-day week initiative - no additional staffing resources; no reduction in the conditioned hours of service of individual staff; no reduction in emergency services; and continued provision of some essential counter services on Saturdays.
By July, all suitable government units will have moved to a five-day week, involving some 94,300 staff.
Ends/Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Issued at HKT 14:30
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