TNAG-0916-FCO40-1127-Policy-on-salaries-and-pensions-for-civil-servants-in-Hong-K-1979 — Page 108

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PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES

General Considerations

13.

In

The Hong Kong Government's policy towards civil service remuneration is expressed in a statement1 made in 1968. terms of this statement the Government accepts "a duty and responsibility to maintain a civil service recognised as efficient and staffed by members whose conditions of service are regarded as fair both by themselves and by the public which they serve". Such a policy is in keeping with every government's obligation to be a good employer and it is as valid to-day as when it was first stated. The problem then, as it is now, is in reconciling the sometimes conflicting views of civil servants and the general public on what is fair. Understandably the average civil servant's concept of fairness is influenced by the extent to which his aspirations are achieved. Equally understandably the general public, who have to pay the bill, are influenced in their concept of fairness by the effect of any improvement in the conditions of civil servants on their own circumstances.

14.

In considering the principles and practices which should govern civil service pay in the future, we have therefore first had regard to the extent to which existing principles and practices have resulted in the achievement of the Government's policy objective. Although we have received representations to the contrary, the awards resulting from the annual pay trend surveys, together with other adjustments made, appear to have generally succeeded in maintaining civil service salaries and fringe benefits at a reasonable level. This does not of course mean that there are no grounds for improvement in some areas, but in our view the Government has gone a considerable way towards achieving fair pay.

15.

During our deliberations on principles and practices we have also concluded that in a civil service of the size, complexity and diversity of that in Hong Kong any attempt to apply rigid and inflexible formulae to civil service pay is impracticable. We have therefore made our recommendations in general terms. Furthermore, although we would not expect these principles and practices to be departed from lightly, we would not wish them to be used as a reason for not affording special treatment in exceptional circumstances.

/Comparability

1 Statement of Principles and Aims of Civil Service

Remuneration 1968

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