TNAG-2675-FCO40-3872-Hong-Kong-garrison-withdrawal-plan-1993 — Page 35

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SECRET UK EYES A

LOCALLY EMPLOYED CIVILIANS (LEC)

25. Concern over LEC retention has always stemmed from the

assumptions that, as 1997 approaches, BFHK will suffer a reduction in

LEC numbers due to:

a.

The loss of personnel leaving to secure other employment

prior to 1997.

b. A decline in the availability of

in the availability of suitable staff to fill

vacancies.

26. At present, BFHK has not experienced any significant increase in

resignations. It is assessed that staff are seeking to maximise their

eventual gratuity and that the enhanced redundancy package is proving

effective. This situation may change if employees perceive in the

future a need to distance themselves from the Garrison and to obtain

alternative employment prior to 1997. It is difficult to predict with

any certainty when or if this is likely to occur, but problems could

begin to manifest themselves from 1995. In that event it may prove

necessary to offer incentives in order to retain staff to the end.

27. Although recruitment of LECS has not yet proved to be a critical

problem, it is becoming increasingly difficult to attract the right

calibre of staff, particularly in the skilled grades. In the lower

16

SECRET UK EYES A

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