No truth in report on six months delay in labour scheme
Referring to a report in a Chinese newspaper today (Wednesday), the Secretary for Education and Manpower, Mr Joseph W P Wong, said there has been no change to the Government's proposal on the Supplementary Labour Scheme (SLS).
"The report which alleged that the Government is considering delaying the proposed SLS by six months is totally without basis.
"I have said on many occasions that I am willing to discuss the SLS with Legislative Councillors, the Labour Advisory Board, and employees and employers representatives. I have been doing this in the past few weeks and will continue to do so," Mr Wong said.
"There is still some time before the proposed implementation date of the SLS. I remain hopeful that with goodwill on all sides, we can come to an arrangement which would allow, under clearly defined rules and after satisfying the most stringent requirements, the employment of foreign workers in specific cases where the vacancies cannot be filled locally. The SLS proposes to do precisely that."
He reiterated that the Government agreed entirely with the position of the trade unions that foreign labour should not be allowed to take away jobs from local workers.
"I have had several useful discussions with the trade unions and made it clear that Government would attempt to address their concerns in a positive manner and with flexibility," he said.
End/Wednesday, November 1, 1995
Survey on student drug abuse
The Education Department is conducting a survey to find out the size of the at- risk group among students and the need for support services in schools.
A spokesman for the department said the survey would help the Government to work out an effective remedy to the problem of drug abuse among young people.
No comments yet.
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