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"This will not work in practice, since an employment relationship which has turned sour cannot be changed by a court order. Such orders will only work if both parties willingly agree to implement them," the spokesman further explained.
The Bill, while providing redundancy as a valid reason for dismissal, requires an employer to explain why an employee is selected for dismissal if other employees holding similar positions have not been dismissed.
"This may not work to the interests of employees as it will encourage employers to lay off more employees than is strictly necessary, thus jeopardising the overall employment opportunities of workers," the spokesman said.
The spokesman pointed out that the Hon Leung Yiu-chung had agreed that the Bill should be considered by the LAB before it was to be taken any further at the Legislative Council.
"It is important that the matter be fully deliberated at the LAB amongst Government, labour and employer representatives," he said.
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HKJC Charities Trust donates $4.5m for herbarium review
A $4.5 million grant from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has been allocated for a project aimed at reviewing and computerising records in the Hong Kong Herbarium, which is managed by the Agriculture and Fisheries Department (AFD).
AFD's acting Assistant Director (Conservation), Mr Lay Chik-chuen said the department was extremely grateful to the Trust for its generous support of the project.
He pointed out that the review aimed to upkeep, consolidate and enhance existing information such as the taxonomy, distribution and conservation status of local plants. Results of the review will provide accurate and updated information on the local flora in Hong Kong. The information will be helpful in formulating a better conservation strategy of the local flora.