АКС zioli
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 51 1 1 JUN 1980
Foreign and Commonwealth Office REGISTRY
London SW1A 2AH
Action Taken,
AWI
INDEX
PA
Telephone 01-
273 4655
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13
(Legisht
emplagunt
AWick
Mrs Soo Mok Sau-ha
Labour Department Lee Gardens Hysan Avenue Causeway Bay HONG KONG
Jew
Dear Connie,
Your reference (67) LAB/CR6/695V
Our reference LA/HK/8
Date
6 June 1980
I am afraid I must repeat the apology I made to you in person
on 2 June for the delay in replying to your letter of 13 February on the subject of night work for women. It has taken some time to get the information you need.
I am advised by the UK Health and Safety Executive that the following conditions apply in this country:
1.
2.
3.
4.
HSE's definition of "night" is taken from the Hours of Employment (Conventions) Act 1936 which, in turn, was based on the 1934 ILO Convention (No 41) on night work for women. "Night" is defined in the legislation as a period of 11 consecutive hours including the hours between 10pm and 5am. This seems different from what appears to be your definition of "night" ie 11pm to 7am.
Any work between 10pm and 5am is therefore categorised as night work.
None of
The most commonly worked double shift system in this country runs from 6am to 2pm and 2pm to 10pm. the second shift would therefore be regarded as night work. However, there are alternative systems where work goes on after 10pm and in those cases any work past 10pm would, of course, be regarded as night work.
Special exemption orders permitting night work are granted not only in respect of women (aged 18 and above), but also for male and female young persons. The basic statutory condition to be satisfied is that the Order is in the public interest for the purpose of maintaining or increasing efficiency (see paragraph B 30 of the EOC's report). In addition, HSE satisfy themselves that health, safety and welfare conditions in the factory concerned are satisfactory; that the workers are properly supervised; and that transport is available for women and young persons working "unsocial" hours. Orders permitting night work include, where necessary conditions on these matters.