The Labour Department today appealed to employers to have early discussions with employees on flexible arrangements concerning the Ching Ming Festival holiday on April 4.

The department called on employers to make flexible arrangements so that their employees can stagger grave-sweeping activities before and after April 4 to avoid overcrowding and reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Employers may give prior notice to employees in accordance with the Employment Ordinance to arrange for them to take an alternative holiday within 60 days before or after the statutory holiday, the department said.

With the mutual consent of the employer and the employee, any day within 30 days before or after the statutory holiday or alternative holiday can be taken by the employee as a substituted holiday.

Call 2717 1771 for enquiries.