Hong Kong’s jobless subsidy scheme sees surge in applications
With almost 180,000 applications in the first launch days, Chief Executive Carrie Lam has said there will be no upper limit on the overall funds distributed.
Hong Kong’s unemployment drops in February quarter year-on-year
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 4.5% in the period from December 2021 to February 2022, from 7.2% in the same period the year prior.
Big firms in Hong Kong to be excluded from government subsidies
The subsidy package will cover a monthly subsidy of HK$8,000 for each full-time employee, spanning a three-month period between May and July.
Hong Kong provides protection for workers under quarantine
A proposed amendment to the employment law will ensure that workers undergoing isolation or quarantine can enjoy sick leave.
Minimum wage raise under consideration in Hong Kong
Secretary for Labour and Welfare Law Chi-kwong has said the minimum wage, frozen at HK$37.50 (US$4.8) since 2019, may be raised this year.
Hong Kong to dole out cash subsidy for the unemployed
The handouts will exclude workers who lost their jobs before the current wave of outbreaks began last December.
Minimum wage increase opposed by Malaysian business group
The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) said the proposed increase in the national minimum wage to RM1,500 (US$359) will shutter struggling businesses.
Hong Kong considers short-term subsidy for jobless residents
Prior to this, the authorities had said that those who were unemployed could get help from existing social welfare schemes.
Hong Kong allows public officials to WFH amid rise in COVID-19 cases
Many public employees are expected to work remotely as some government departments may temporarily cut back on some services.
Hong Kong to roll out another round of pandemic subsidies
Chief Executive Carrie Lam has said that the government is preparing another round of subsidies for businesses impacted by the Omicron outbreaks.
Hong Kong’s unemployment improves in September-November quarter
Across most sectors, the unemployment rates fell in the September-November quarter as compared with the preceding three month period.
Hong Kong pushes for weekly COVID-19 test for public workers
Unvaccinated government staff may need to get tested for COVID-19 every week instead of once every two weeks.
Hong Kong to offer flexible employment for mothers
Chief Executive Carrie Lam noted that it was important to retain mothers in the workforce while offering them better childcare support.
Hong Kong’s unemployment rate falls to 4.5%
The jobless rate in Hong Kong fell from 4.7% in the June-August period to 4.5% in the July-September quarter, the lowest since the first quarter last year.
Hong Kong extends loan programmes for businesses
The schemes have so far granted a total of HK$170 billion (US$21.8 billion) in loans to 67,000 applicants, which include 41,600 companies.
SME business sentiment in Hong Kong improves
The improved business sentiment has been attributed to the global economic recovery and the improved local COVID-19 situation.
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.