Some 118 disciplined-grade staff who joined the civil service in June and July 2000, have been appointed on permanent terms after completing their probation period.

Responding to a press report today, Secretary for the Civil Service Joseph Wong said the officers have progressively been transferred to permanent terms upon the completion of their three-year probation, provided they met satisfactory conduct, performance and fitness requirements.

He said the Government's needs are well taken into account in considering whether to offer an officer further appointment.

"These criteria apply to all civil service grades, including the disciplined forces," he said.

The Government implemented on June 1, 2000, a new entry system and a new set of terms of appointment and conditions of service for new appointees.

Under the new system, recruits to basic ranks will normally be appointed on three-year probationary terms, followed by three-year agreement terms, before they are considered for appointment on the prevailing permanent terms.

Individual grades are allowed the flexibility to formulate their own recruitment policy and to propose variations from the basic entry system to cater to their management needs and operational requirements.

The disciplined services indicated a strong need for permanent staff for security and stability, as well as strong devotion and commitment. They can appoint recruits direct on prevailing permanent terms upon satisfactory completion of a three-year probationary period for all their disciplined grades.

A Civil Service Provident Fund Scheme has been set up as the retirement benefits system for civil servants appointed on or after June 1, 2000, under the new entry terms as and when they subsequently progress onto the permanent terms of appointment.

Mr Wong said a circular issued to department heads in June was to set out the detailed arrangements for further appointment and in-service transfer for officers appointed under the new entry system.

"The purpose of the circular is for general circulation and the guidelines provided are aimed at ensuring that Heads of Departments/Grades exercise prudence on the matter," he said.