TUESDAY, JULY 5. 1988
OF THE 10 BILLS, THREE WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS AND DEBATE ON THEM WILL THEN BE ADJOURNED.
THEY ARE THE SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATION (1987-88) BILL 1988, SOCIETIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL
1988, AND SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988.
THE OTHER BILLS ARE EACH DUE TO BE GIVEN A SECOND READING, AND THEN TO GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING.
SIX OF THESE BILLS ARE THE BANKRUPTCY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1988, DANGEROUS GOODS (CONSIGNMENT BY AIR) (SAFETY) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES BILL 1988, SOCIETIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1988, AND EMPLOYEES' COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988.
THE TENTH BILL IS A PRIVATE ONE, THE RAINIER BANK (TRANSFER OF HONG KONG UNDERTAKING) BILL 1988.
INTERNATIONAL
LAY OFF PROVISIONS UNDER REVIEW
*
IS A NEED
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS CONSIDERING WHETHER THERE TO AMEND THE PROVISION ON "LAY OFF" UNDER SECTION 31E OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
HAND.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID A REVIEW ON THE SUBJECT IS NOW IN
THIS FOLLOWS A RECENT HIGH COURT RULING THAT SECTION 31E DOES NOT REFER TO THE NUMBER OF WORKING DAYS ON WHICH WORK IS PROVIDED BUT RATHER THE NUMBER OF WORKING DAYS IN ANY PERIOD OF FOUR CONSECUTIVE WEEKS ON WHICH WORK IS NOT PROVIDED.
"THE HIGH COURT JUDGE THEREFORE RULED THAT AN EMPLOYER SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE CONSTRUCTIVELY LAID OFF IF AN EMPLOYER DOES NOT PROVIDE WORK FOR 12 DAYS IN ANY FOUR CONSECUTIVE WEEKS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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ANY
THE
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE ORIGINAL INTENTION OF THE LAW IS TO REQUIRE EMPLOYERS TO PROVIDE A TOTAL OF AT LEAST 12 DAYS WORK IN PERIOD OF FOUR CONSECUTIVE WEEKS, WHICH IS A MINIMUM OF HALF NORMAL SUPPLY OF WORK.
THIS INTERPRETATION