24
Wednesday, January 17, 1973
UNOFFICIALS CALL FOR EXTENSION OF RETIREMENT AGE
Present 55-Year Limit Called Outdated
**
Unofficial Members of the Legislative Council today tabled a notion calling
for an extension of the retirement age for civil servants from 55 to 60 years.
Five Members spoke in support of the motion with all of then sharing the
view that the present compulsory retirement age was outdated and constituted a
loss to the public service in terms of expertise and talent.
EP
In moving the motion, the Hon. Wilfred Wong noted that in most
South-East Asian countries the retirement age for civil servants
varied from 60 to 65, while Hong Kong still retained the 55-year limit
established years ago at a time when it was considered a "hardship area,'
The overwhelming majority of public servants, he said, favoured
an extension in the maximum age with an option to retire at 55, but some
younger staff felt this might block their chances of earlier promotion.
Mr. Wong pointed out, however, that a later retirement age would
also apply to the younger staff and said that "if they look ahead a few
years, on the grounds of security it is a proposal which would be fair all
round.
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The Hon. F.C. Woo urged the Government to make a decision on
the issue and expressed the opinion that the change would not cost "much
"Ho added: "Conceivably it could be even less."
more.
Mr. Woo made it clear that no change was proposed in the retirement age
for members of the disciplined services and senior members of the Judiciary or
that of officers recruited on contract terms of appointment.
/He said