Pay Trend Survey Committee meeting on May 19, 2016
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The following is issued on behalf of the Pay Trend Survey Committee:

     The 2016 Pay Trend Survey (PTS) Report, compiled by the Pay Survey and Research Unit of the Joint Secretariat for the Advisory Bodies on Civil Service and Judicial Salaries and Conditions of Service, was released today (May 19) to Members of the Pay Trend Survey Committee (PTSC).

     The survey has indicated the following average pay adjustments in the surveyed companies over the 12-month period from April 2, 2015 to April 1, 2016.

Tentative Findings of the 2016 PTS (subject to verification)

              Basic         Additional     Gross Pay
               Pay       +     Pay      =    Trend
            Indicators      Indicators     Indicators
            ----------      ----------     ----------

Lower          4.91%     +    -0.01%     =    4.90%
Salary
Band
(below
$20,305
per month)

Middle         5.19%     +     0.50%     =    5.69%
Salary
Band
($20,305-
$62,235
per month)

Upper          4.38%     +     0.90%     =    5.28%
Salary
Band
($62,236-
$127,250
per month)

     Members of the PTSC are at present studying the survey report in detail. Subject to their analysis and deliberation, the PTSC would verify and consider to validate the findings of the survey at its meeting on May 25, 2016. After the meeting, the PTS results will be submitted to the Government. In accordance with the established practices, the Government will take into account the Pay Trend Indicators derived from the PTS and other pertinent considerations (such as the state of the economy of Hong Kong, the Government's fiscal position, changes in the cost of living, pay claims of the staff sides, civil service morale) before making a decision on the 2016-2017 civil service pay adjustment.

     The survey results reflect the pay trend in 109 companies covering 151,934 employees over the 12-month period from April 2, 2015 to April 1, 2016. Among these companies, there are 80 larger companies (employing 100 or more staff) and 29 smaller companies (employing 50-99 staff). These companies are regarded as typical employers in their respective fields, generally known as steady and good employers with rational and systematic salary administration.

     The survey was conducted in accordance with the improved methodology as approved by the Chief Executive-in-Council in March 2007. The survey takes into account adjustments to basic salary and additional payments awarded to employees of the surveyed companies attributable to factors in relation to cost of living, general prosperity and company performance, general changes in market rates, merit and inscale increment.

     The PTSC is chaired by Mr Wilfred Wong Kam-pui, who is a member of the Standing Commission on Civil Service Salaries and Conditions of Service. Mr Wong wishes to express the PTSC's sincere appreciation of the co-operation and assistance rendered by the participating companies to the 2016 PTS.

Ends/Thursday, May 19, 2016
Issued at HKT 17:15

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