EMPLOYMENT
116
increase of 7.7 per cent in money terms, or an increase of 2.3 per cent in real terms, compared with the same period of 1996.
Over the same period, the average wage rate in the manufacturing sector rose by 5.3 per cent in money terms, and was steady in real terms. At the craftsman and operative levels in the manufacturing sector, 75 per cent of workers received a daily wage of $225 or more in September 1997; while 25 per cent received $406 or more. The overall average daily wage was $329, or $8,325 per month, for these craftsmen and operatives.
Employee Benefits
The Employment Ordinance stipulates employment-related benefits and entitlements for employees which include rest days, statutory holidays, annual leave, maternity leave, sickness allowance, employment protection, severance payment and long service payment. Many employers pay a year-end bonus and some provide other additional fringe benefits to their employees.
The government will continue to regulate voluntarily established occupational retirement schemes under the Occupational Retirement Schemes Ordinance. By year's end, 16 324 schemes had been registered and 1935 schemes were exempted. All registered schemes must comply with the various monitoring requirements stipulated by the Ordinance.
Labour Administration and Services
The Labour Department, headed by the Commissioner for Labour, implements labour policies and labour legislation for the promotion of harmonious labour relations and responsible trade unionism, the safeguard of employees' rights and benefits and the protection of the safety, health and welfare of the working community. It also provides free employment services to employers and job-seekers.
Labour Conditions
The employment of children under 15 years old is prohibited in industrial undertakings. Children aged 13 and 14 years may be employed in non-industrial establishments, subject to the condition that they attend full-time schooling if they have not yet completed three years of secondary education plus other provisions aimed at protecting their safety, health and welfare.
The Labour Inspectorate of the Labour Department is responsible for monitoring employers' compliance with various provisions of the Employment Ordinance relating to the employment of young persons and children, payment of wages, annual leave and holidays, sickness allowance and maternity protection. It applies equally to local and imported workers.
Labour Legislation
The Labour Department administers labour laws in force in Hong Kong. Labour legislation has been enacted which, supplemented by administrative measures, enables Hong Kong to maintain internationally accepted standards.
During the year, 21 items of labour-related legislation were enacted. Most were to give effect to certain reviews then conducted on the relevant areas of employee rights and benefits. In improving employees' rights and benefits, the government adheres
4