XN000022-1995-08-17 — Page 4

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Mr Kwan noted that mismatch between job vacancies and unemployed workers continued to exist.

However, he said: "Active steps are being taken to enhance retraining and job placement."

Since the launching of the Job Matching Programme in April, some 2,000 job seekers have registered with the Programme which offers personal service of in-depth interview, vocational counselling and job matching.

"The programme has successfully placed 693 registrants into employment. Together with 197 registrants who have declined job offers, they represent a success rate of 45 per cent," said Mr Kwan.

Mr Kwan pointed out that a wide range of promotional programmes, including recruitment seminars and briefings for employers' bodies and trade unions, had been and would be conducted to make the Job Matching Scheme better known and used.

The Labour Department has set up a special task force to offer outreaching placement service to workers affected by major retrenchment, he added..

At the same time, the Employees Retraining Board has taken measures to further enhance the placement rate of its graduates which include tailor-made retraining courses and extended on-the-job training schemes.

Mr Kwan said besides strengthening the employment services and retraining schemes, efforts were made to clamp down on illegal employment.

Between January and July, the Immigration Department had carried out a total of 1,076 raids, and 2,620 illegal workers and 580 employers were prosecuted. On conviction, the sentence will carry a criminal record.

Mr Kwan also pointed out that the review on the Importation of Labour General Scheme was going on and would be completed in October.

End/Thursday, August 17, 1995