EMPLOYMENT
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Details of the distribution of establishments and employment by industry group are shown at Appendices 17 and 18, respectively.
Wages
Wage rates are calculated on a time basis, either daily or monthly, or on an incentive basis according to the volume of work performed. The average wage rate for all employees, including wage-earners and salaried employees up to the supervisory level, increased by 10.4 per cent in money terms, or by 2.4 per cent in real terms, between September 1992 and September 1993.
At the third quarter of 1993, the average monthly wage for the supervisory, technical, clerical and miscellaneous non-production workers in the wholesale, retail, import and export trades, restaurants and hotels sector was $8,579. This represented an increase of 10.3 per cent over the same period in 1992, or an increase of 2.2 per cent in real terms.
The average wage rate in the manufacturing sector rose by 10 per cent in money terms between September 1992 and September 1993. After allowing for rises in consumer prices, the wage rate increased in real terms by 1.9 per cent during the same period.
In September 1993, 75 per cent of manual workers in the manufacturing sector received a daily wage, including fringe benefits, of $189 or more; and 25 per cent received $297 or more. The overall average daily wage was $266. The overall average monthly rate was $6,780.
Employee Benefits
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The Employment Ordinance provides for benefits and entitlements including statutory holidays, annual leave, rest days, maternity leave, sickness allowance, severance payment and long service payment for employees. In addition, some employers provide employees with fringe benefits such as subsidised meals or food allowances, good attendance bonuses, free or subsidised medical treatment, and transport to and from work. Many employees also enjoy a year-end bonus of one month's pay or more under their employment contracts, usually paid just before the Lunar New Year.
In December 1993, the government announced that it would pursue a compulsory, contributory Old-age Pension Scheme, subject to the outcome of a feasibility study advising on the financial and technical aspects of such a scheme; endorsement by the community of proposals resulting from the feasibility study; and consultation with the Chinese Government. The government would also continue to promote voluntary retire- ment schemes vigorously. At the end of the year, a total of 14 637 private retirement schemes had been approved by the Inland Revenue Department.
Labour Administration and Services
The Labour Department, headed by the Commissioner for Labour, is responsible for implementing labour policies and enforcing labour legislation. These objectives are achieved through the promotion of the safety, health and welfare of the working community, as well as the promotion of harmonious labour relations, safeguarding of the rights and benefits of employees under labour laws, and the provision of free employment services and careers guidance. During 1993, there were 8 041 prosecutions for breaches of ordinances and regulations administered by the department. Fines totalling $22,793,100 were imposed.