The Labour Department will launch a Work Orientation & Placement Scheme to help 1,000 people with disabilities find jobs. The programme has an estimated cost of about $8 million.

It aims to encourage employers to better understand the working abilities of people with disabilities.

Under the scheme, a two-day pre-employment training programme will be offered to each participating disabled job-seeker, covering the latest job market information, job-search skills, interviewing techniques, work ethics and communication/interpersonal skills.

The participating employer will offer a three-month work placement to the disabled job-seeker and will be free to decide whether to continue the employment upon completion of the work orientation period.

Announcing details of the scheme today,  Assistant Commissioner for Labour Tsang Kin-woo said the department's placement officer will follow up the performance of the disabled employee during the three-month period.

The participating employer will receive a financial incentive equal to 50% of the actual wages paid to the employee during the three-month work  period, with a ceiling of $3,000 per month.

Mentors to receive $500 reward

The department will encourage the participating employer to appoint an experienced staff member as a mentor for the disabled employee. During the work orientation period, the mentor will coach the disabled employee on relevant job skills, and help the individual adapt to the new job.

A cash award of $500 will be given to every mentor who has assisted the disabled employee to continue with the work placement after the first month.

Employers who want to participate in the Scheme may contact the Selective Placement Division on 2852 4801 (Hong Kong Office), 2755 4835(Kowloon Office) and 2417 6190 (New Territories) or visit the department's website.