continued growth in the industrial undertaking in the colony, we will see these people moved to occupations where their talents are more fully utilised. It is expected that by 1981 the Hong Kong population will reach about 5.1 millions and due to the situation in the colony there will be a disproportionate increase in those people aged between 15 and 64, thus increasing the working population.
Training
Because of the rapid movement of industry in Hong Kong and the fact that there is very little organisation by the manufacturers, there is very little forma- lised industrial training in the colony. We understand that all training is voluntary by exposure on the shop floor. Technical education and training is undertaken by the Technical College and a number of Secondary Technical Schools. There are some vocational training centres operated by voluntary agents who also offer certain basic courses in vocational training.
Due to the industrial expansion in Hong Kong the Government promoted an Industrial Training Advisory Committee and it is hoped that this Committee will be in a position to indicate to the Government the work force replacements of industry and a means by which to ensure the training facilities provided in Hong Kong will be sufficient to meet the needs of these industries.
The Clothing Industry in Hong Kong
The Clothing Industry in Hong Kong includes the manufacture of garments and shirts, knitted piece goods and raincoats but excludes gloves, hosiery, shoes and boots.
There has been a continuous expansion in the Clothing industry in Hong Kong during the past 10 years. Since March 1959 there has been an increase of 28,985 to in March 1969, 82,839 and in the knitting industry of 7,252 to 44,399.
The structure of the industry may be seen in Appendix F, giving the break- down of registered and recorded Industrial undertakings as at 31st March 1969.
No statistics are available showing the proportion of work done by out- workers although we understand no large garment factories encourage out- workers but it may very well be that some of their work is done by outworkers when they make use of the services of smaller concerns in order to fulfil their orders. It is estimated that there are about 8,000 outworkers employed in the medium and small garment factories in the industry. Although more than 64% of the work force in the industry are female workers there has, in the last 10 years, been an increase in the number of male workers employed. (See Appendix G.)
Apparently part-time workers are seldom employed in factories or establish- ments, although there are a small number employed on a part-time basis at home. A company producing well-known brands of good quality shirts and other garments are most reluctant to employ part-time workers or to sub-
contract.
Most of the workers employed in the clothing industry are paid by piece rates and in accordance with the Employment Ordinance may at any time terminate the contract by giving to the other party notice, either orally or in
16
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.