Government response on Labour Day processions
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The spokesman said that the Government has been actively following up on abolishing the "offsetting" arrangement under the Mandatory Provident Fund System, and has put forward a preliminary idea taking into account the views of the business and labour sectors towards the proposal by the last-term Government. The Government is exchanging views with major stakeholders including the business and labour sectors on this preliminary idea.
Furthermore, an inter-bureaux/departmental working group set up by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare is exploring options to enhance the employment rights and benefits of non-skilled employees engaged by government service contractors. The working group aims to complete its review before the third quarter of this year.
On improvements to labour benefits, the Government has proposed to extend statutory paternity leave from the existing three days to five days and will introduce the enabling Bill into the Legislative Council once it is ready. The Government is also exploring possible ways to improve female employees' statutory maternity leave, with an aim to work out a preliminary proposal by the second half of this year for submission to the Labour Advisory Board for discussion, the spokesman added.
Meanwhile, the Minimum Wage Commission is conducting a new round of review on the Statutory Minimum Wage rate and will submit a report on its recommendation to the Chief Executive in Council by end-October.
On working hours policy, the spokesman said the Government understands that the community has divergent views on the last-term Government's legislative proposals. The Government will continue to listen to the views of the community to identify feasible options for improving the working hours policy. Currently, the LD is working on the formulation of sector-specific working hours guidelines for 11 designated sectors through its industry-based tripartite committees for employers' reference and adoption with a view to improving employees' working hours arrangements.
On protection of foreign domestic helpers (FDHs), the amended provisions relating to employment agencies (EAs) under the Employment Ordinance came into effect in February, affording better protection to job-seekers (including FDHs) against the offences of overcharging of commission and unlicensed operation of EAs.
The Government is also highly concerned about work safety. The LD will continue to strengthen the protection of workers' occupational safety and health (OSH) through inspection and enforcement, publicity and promotion, and education and training. The LD is pressing ahead at full speed with the review of OSH legislation penalty levels to strengthen its deterrent effect, aiming to come up with the direction for legislative amendments within the current legislative session.
On the employment of persons with disabilities, the Government's policy objectives are to provide skills training and support services for persons with disabilities to enable them to take up productive and gainful employment in the open market on the basis of their abilities rather than disabilities, provide assistance for employers and strive to promote an inclusive society. The Government will continue to proactively implement measures to promote the employment of persons with disabilities.
Ends/Tuesday, May 1, 2018
Issued at HKT 17:00
Issued at HKT 17:00
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