Mandatory vaccination for key-sector workers in Hong Kong
Civil servants, teachers and healthcare workers must get inoculated against COVID-19 or pay for regular testing.
Hong Kong’s unemployment rate in Q2 2021 falls to 5.5%
Some 213,000 people are still out of jobs, but this is 20,200 fewer than the preceding quarter, as Hong Kong’s labour market continues to recover.
Hong Kong saw 56,253 newly registered companies in H1 2021
In the first half this year, 56,253 local companies have registered their businesses, bringing the total number to 1.38 million.
Hong Kong’s unemployment rate falls to a 12-month low
Hong Kong’s jobless rate fell for three consecutive months to a one-year low in May, as the economy continues to recover from the pandemic.
Some unvaccinated employees face discrimination in Hong Kong
Employees who face discrimination if they refused to be vaccinated may be able to mount a legal challenge, depending if it is “reasonable or necessary.”
Hong Kong rolls out vaccination leave for civil servants
This will apply to all government employees, which includes civil servants, non-civil service contract staff and post-retirement service contract staff.
Hong Kong freezes minimum wage amid pandemic woes
The minimum wage in Hong Kong has been frozen for the first time since the Minimum Wage Ordinance came into effect in 2011.
Hong Kong’s civil service unions back salary freeze for officials
This comes amid fears that the salaries of civil servants could suffer a cut this year as Hong Kong continues to be impacted by the pandemic.
Hong Kong committed to creating jobs and improving workers’ welfare
Chief Executive Carrie Lam has affirmed her commitment to create jobs, improve employee welfare and boost protection of workers’ interests.
Hong Kong lawmakers renew calls for more COVID-19 support
Business sector legislators have called for short-term support for the unemployed in the form of HK$6,000 per month for six months.
Hong Kong to relax social distancing measures for vaccinated groups
The government also plans to provide F&B businesses an additional tranche of subsidies under the Anti-Epidemic Fund.
Hong Kong’s tourism workers will be offered 2,000 vaccination-related jobs
This is part of Hong Kong’s Job Creation Scheme, which aims to create 30,000 temporary jobs in the public and private sectors over the next two years.
Hong Kong’s unemployment rate highest since 2004
Hong Kong’s jobless rate climbed to 7.2% in the December-to-February period, up 0.2 percentage points from the November-to-January period.
Hong Kong government rolls out HK$9.5 billion relief package
About 180,000 Hongkongers who were unemployed for at least two months since the start of last year will also be eligible to apply for low-interest loans.
Hong Kong will face unemployment woes for more than three years
Unemployment will plague Hong Kong for years ahead, and that it may take more than three years for the jobless rate to fall below 5%.
Hong Kong testing centres fully booked as businesses reopen
As the restrictions on businesses ease in Hong Kong, testing centres for COVID-19 are stretched to the max due to mandatory testing.
Hong Kong welfare minister rejects temporary unemployment fund
The minister said that it would be tricky to draw the line for when the scheme should stop, and urged that public policy needs to be fair.
Unemployment in Hong Kong not just limited to grassroots level
While unemployment is severe among the lower class, middle-level occupations have also been badly hit by unemployment.
Hong Kong seeks to relax subsidy criteria for low-income workers
The basic subsidy for low-income families, once relaxed, would benefit around 24,000 more underemployed households.
Hong Kong’s minimum wage to remain at HK$37.50 an hour
The decision was made after a review from government officials, academics and business representatives showed majority consensus.
Hong Kong banks on innovative tech for city’s economic recovery
The government’s intervention and support are crucial in the early stage of innovation and tech development, says city financial chief.
Hong Kong government plans to increase number of statutory holidays
Labour minister Law Chi-Kwong said the proposal to gradually increase the number of statutory holidays from 12 to 17 by 2030 is “most acceptable”.
Hong Kong incentivises companies to employ local graduates
Hong Kong’s government is offering companies a grant of HK$10,000 (US$1,290) for each recent college graduate they employ.
Hong Kong’s financial chief expects city to be out of recession by end-2021
He expects Hong Kong to ride on Beijing’s five-year plan to stimulate domestic growth, which aims to achieve independence in science and tech.
Hong Kong approves latest pandemic relief subsidies
The Legislative Council has approved the latest round of COVID-19 relief subsidies of HK$5.5 billion (US$709 million).
Hong Kong’s 14-week maternity leave takes effect December 11
The maternity leave pay is to be calculated at four-fifths the daily average of the wages earned by the employee.
Hong Kong govt staff to WFH for the third time this year
Chief executive Carrie Lam has announced sweeping measures to stop the spread of COVID-19, ordering all government employees to work from home (WFH).
COVID-19 subsidy only for workers in Hong Kong without paid sick leave
The HK$5,000 (US$645) handout will only cover residents such as freelancers, taxi drivers, and the self-employed.
Hong Kong Express pilots get pay cuts, ground staff go on unpaid leave
HK Express has requested all 200 of its pilots to sign new contracts with further cuts in salaries and allowances of up to 40%.
Hong Kong: Jardine Aviation Services Group announces layoffs
The company that handles ground services for the Hong Kong International Airport will axe 340 staff from next month.