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The Committee on Manpower Development for the Textiles and Clothing Industry has decided to shelve the Manpower Development Plan for the Textiles and Clothing Industry (MDP) indefinitely after a comprehensive review of the MDP.
A spokesman for the Labour Department said the MDP was introduced in early 2006 to help employers in the textiles and clothing industry to meet the manpower shortfall through training of local workers and flexible importation of workers, for the posts of General Sewing Machine Operator, Special Sewing Machine Operator, Knitting Machine Operator and Linking Machine Operator. However, the subsequent drastic changes in the international trade environment and the textiles market had resulted in a lukewarm demand for skilled workers by the industry.
From July 1, employers who wish to import skilled workers for the above four posts can revert to the Supplementary Labour Scheme (SLS). All applications will be processed according to the procedures and criteria of the SLS and subject to the monitoring by the Labour Advisory Board.
Ends/Friday, May 29, 2009
Issued at HKT 17:01
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