TNAG-0786-FCO40-990-Policy-of-Government-of-Hong-Kong-on-labour-and-trade-union--1978 — Page 238

CONFIDENTIAL

4.

Social Security

With the exception of Singapore's well developed Provident Fund, Hong Kong's provisions for social security are similar to, although generally better than, most of her neighbours. None of the countries visited provide unemployment benefits.

5. Overall, Hong Kong appears to be approaching the best available in Asia, excluding Japan, in the labour legislation and social security field. However, there are certain areas in which she does not compare favourable with her neighbours; in particular in providing for a minimum wage; limiting the maximum number of hours which may be worked; and giving generous holidays. There is, of course, one overall proviso which must be considered, namely, that the law in Hong Kong is enforced reasonably effectively in contrast to the rest of the region.

Riduel Angg.

20 June 1978

CR Stagg

Hong Kong & General Dept

cc: OLA

This report confuing the live we have been taking that, by comparson with its neighbours, Hong Kong's record is good. The absence of unemployment bengfit in the regai is likely to make it more

persuade the Governot

ལ་ཇཆེ་

in Hong Kong.

it be

difficult to

introduced

Hocont

:

CONFIDENTIAL