Employers in Hong Kong prioritising employee retention in 2023
Introducing hybrid work policies and increasing investment in the upskilling of employees are some of the key strategies to retain talent in the new year.
Hong Kong provides support for businesses to retain and create jobs
Hong Kong has approved HK$12.1 billion (US$1.5 billion) in wage subsidies for eligible employers and employees.
Experienced employees key part of workforce strategy in Hong Kong
About 44% of employers see an increased need to retain older employees in the workforce and expect this to be a key trend over the next five years.
Labour union says Hong Kong’s minimum wage hike insufficient
The Minimum Wage Commission reached a consensus last Thursday to raise the minimum wage to HK$40, a 6.7% increase.
Workplace gender disparity widens in Hong Kong
Despite holding attributes to be successful, women have been paid less than their male counterparts over the last five years.
Employers in Hong Kong allowed to fire unvaccinated staff
A government bill has been passed to allow employers to sack workers who refuse to receive a COVID-19 vaccination without a reasonable excuse.
Some 140,000 employers sign up for Hong Kong government subsidy
The scheme subsidises the wages of some 1.2 million workers up to HK$8,000 over the months of May, June, and July.
160,000 employers in Hong Kong expected to seek wage subsidy
About 160,000 employers are expected to apply for the latest round of pandemic wage subsidies under the employment support scheme (ESS).
Hong Kong supports more workers with new job-saving scheme
About 440,000 additional workers will benefit from the government’s more inclusive revised Employment Support Scheme (ESS).
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.”