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SEM on employment policy

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Education and Manpower, Mr Michael Leung, in the Legislative Council motion debate on employment policy today (Wednesday):

Introduction

Mr President,

I would like to comment on both the motion by Dr Huang and the amendment motion by Mr Tien and in the process respond to a number of points of concern raised by members this afternoon.

The primary concern of Dr Huang's motion is what the Government should do to enhance the employment opportunities of local workers in light of the increasing difficulty in seeking employment. Members are also concerned about the recent rise in the unemployment rate.

Let me start by stating our commitment: no matter what the unemployment rate is, we are always mindful of the need to safeguard and to improve the employment opportunities of local workers.

The Administration cannot support the motion because we do not consider it right to terminate our labour importation policy, nor do we see the need to legislate to give priority to local workers in employment.

Nature of Hong Kong's employment policy

Our basic employment policy is to ensure that there is a stable, well-trained and well-motivated workforce to support the economic growth of our community. This policy comprises different elements which are formulated to meet the changing needs of the economy and in the best interests of Hong Kong. These include the provision of training and retraining, provision of employment services, promotion of health and safety at work, safeguarding employees' compensation and promoting harmonious labour relations. Of these, the provision of employment services and training and retraining have always been geared towards the policy objective of enhancing the employment opportunities of local workers.

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