Labour Dept to hold job expos

May 01, 2011

The Labour Department will hold recruitment exhibitions on May 25 and 26 in Tseung Kwan O, providing jobs for sectors affected by the implementation of the statutory minimum wage. A third expo will be conducted in July.
 
Speaking on a radio show this morning, Secretary for Labour & Welfare Matthew Cheung said the department had 80,000 job opportunities gathered at the end of March. He said it will strive to help people affected by the Minimum Wage Ordinance, which takes effect today, such as those in the catering and retail sectors.
 
Mr Cheung said the Government will punish employers who break the new law. He urged people with questions to call the 24-hour enquiry hotline 2717 1771. Employees affected by the statutory minimum wage can also call 2127 4916 for assistance.
 
The department’s Labour Relations Division has 10 district offices providing conciliation and mediation services.
 
Mr Cheung reiterated the guiding principles in introducing the statutory minimum wage are: that pay after its implementation should not be lower than before; where feasible, employers should not reduce employees’ existing remuneration and benefits; and, employers should not unilaterally vary employees’ employment terms and conditions.

Mr Cheung appealed to the community to support the statutory minimum wage which will benefit society.