The Labour Department has commended 12 outstanding disabled employees and 10 enlightened employers in an annual awards ceremony aimed at enhancing the public's understanding of the disableds' work capabilities.

Speaking at the event, Permanent Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Matthew Cheung said the Labour Department's Selective Placement Division had spared no effort in promoting and assisting the disabled in open employment.

From January to October this year, the division helped more than 2,100 disabled job-seekers secure employment - an 8% increase over the same period last year.

The majority of those placed into employment this year are hearing-impaired, ex-mentally ill and mentally handicapped people. Many of them are employed in the transport, manufacturing and service sectors or perform sales and clerical work.

He hoped the community would continue to support the department's selective placement service and collaborate to foster a fair and open society.

Mr Cheung pointed out that there was an increasing demand for labour as a result of Hong Kong's sustained economic growth. To secure employment in the competitive labour market, he said disabled people must equip themselves well and enhance their employability.

"To this end, we launched the Work Orientation & Placement Scheme in April, providing pre-employment training for disabled job-seekers to enhance their job-searching skills and self-confidence. The scheme also offers a three-month financial incentive for employers."

More than 220 disabled people joined the work trial session of the scheme. Seventy-one have already completed the three-month trial and been offered continued employment.

"The Labour Department will continue its Self-help Integrated Placement Service Programme to help job-seekers obtain the latest labour market information and cultivate among the disabled a more positive attitude about job searching," Mr Cheung said.

"Through our tailor-made Interactive Selective Placement Service web-page, we provide a 24-hour online service for disabled job-seekers, employers and other members of the public."

The division has helped more than 35,000 job-seekers with disabilities secure work since its establishment in 1980.

The 12 Outstanding Disabled Employees this year are:

* Office of the Telecommunications Authority clerical assistant Ko Wan-sim;

* Hongkong Electric Company Limited systems analyst Leung Kim-ming;

* JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong room attendant Sin Tsz-yeung;

* Asian Corporate Services Limited administrator Li Yip-fuk;

* KanHan Technologies Limited business development specialist Lui Chi-hung;

* Hong Kong Jockey Club groom Kung Hing-pong;

* Serco Group (HK) Limited domestic service assistant Hui Siu-hung;

* The Hong Kong Sze Yap Commercial & Industrial Association Chan Nam Chong Memorial School
general assistant Leung Yu-lam;

* Ming Hin Company labourer Chung Hon-wing;

* The Church of Christ in China Tam Lee Lai Fun Memorial Secondary School teacher Chau Tin-cheung;

* Chesterton Petty Limited data-processing assistant Tsoi King-pui; and

* Crown Motors Limited customer care officer Lena Leung.

The 10 Enlightened Employers who have made special efforts in employing people with disabilities are:

* Azure Shine Limited;

* Department of Health;

* Goodyear (Mak's) Services Company Limited;

* Landes Hong Kong Limited;

* Market Pro Associates;

* Polysurplus Pharmaceutical Limited;

* Prince of Peace (Hong Kong) Limited;

* Smart Soup Company Limited;

* Tin Kee Car Services Company; and

* Wing King Tong Printing Limited.