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Employment
Employment Situation
In 2016, the overall unemployment rate rose from 3.3 per cent in 2015 to 3.4 per cent, while the underemployment rate was 1.4 per cent, the same as that in 2015. Total employment rose by about 13,300 to 3,787,100 from 3,773,800 in 2015.
Employment Earnings
In 2016, 12.5 per cent of employed persons earned less than $5,000 a month and 21.4 per cent earned $30,000 and above a month. Median monthly employment earnings rose by $500 to $15,000 from $14,500 in 2015. The median monthly employment earnings for higher skilled workers, such as managers and administrators, professionals and associate professionals, was $29,000, while that for lower skilled workers was $11,500.
Wages
Nominal wages continued to register growth. Wage rates as measured by the Nominal Wage. Index for workers up to supervisory level increased 3.6 per cent between December 2015 and December 2016.
Labour Administration
The Labour Department, headed by the Commissioner for Labour, formulates and implements labour policies; enforces labour legislation; provides free employment services to employers. and job-seekers; promotes harmonious labour relations and responsible trade unionism; safeguards employees' rights and benefits; and promotes the occupational safety, health and welfare of the workforce.
Labour Legislation
The department administers Hong Kong's labour laws. Labour legislation, supplemented by administrative measures, provides the basis for the enforcement of employers' and employees' rights and obligations, and enables the city to meet internationally accepted labour standards.
In 2016, the department secured 3,488 convictions, resulting in fines totalling more than $29.82 million.
International Labour Affairs
Hong Kong applies 41 international labour conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). These conventions set standards that have a significant bearing on the formulation of the city's labour laws.
Hong Kong takes part actively in ILO activities, keeping itself abreast of international labour issues. In June, a team comprising representatives of employers, employees and the government attended the 105th Session of the International Labour Conference as part of the People's Republic of China delegation. In December, a tripartite team attended the 16th Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting of ILO under the name 'Hong Kong, China.
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