TNAG-2816-FCO40-4062-Future-of-Hong-Kong-International-Rights-and-Obligations-(IR-1993 — Page 192

International Labour Convention No. 160

Labour Statistics, 1985

Annex D

The Labour Statistics Convention, 1985 (ILC No. 160) requires ratifying states to collect, compile and publish labour statistics on a regular basis. The subjects to be covered progressively include economically active population, employment and unemployment, wages, consumer price indexes, occupational injuries and diseases and labour disputes, etc. Hong Kong is able to comply with most of the provisions of ILC No. 160. However, modifications are required in respect of Articles 1(c), 1(d), 1(e), 9(1), 10, 11 and 17(1) as the labour statistics of Hong Kong have not yet covered the areas as laid down in these articles. The specific circumstances concerning the application of these articles with modification are as follows:

Article

1(c), 1(d), 1(e)

Implementation

In Hong Kong, quarterly General Household Surveys have been conducted to collect information on the labour force characteristics of: the territories. Statistics of average earnings and wage distribution are however not compiled.

As regards statistics of labour cost, those available in Hong Kong are close to, but not exactly, "labour cost". In the annual economic surveys, data on "compensation of employees" are collected. "Compensation of employees" which is constituted by (a) wages and salaries and (b) payments in kind and employees' social security expenditure is close to the concept of "labour cost". However, some of the labour cost constituents, namely, staff training, recruitment and uniforms, are not included in the item "compensation of employees". Hong Kong is therefore not able to comply with the requirement regarding the collection of statistics on labour costs.

Article 9(1)

Same as Article 1(c)

Article 10

Same as Article 1(d)

Article 11

Same as Article 1(e)

Article 17(1)

At present, the basic labour statistics compiled by the Census and Statistics Department do not cover the agricultural sector which represents only a minimal portion of the economy of Hong Kong. The agricultural sector is therefore excluded from the application of the provisions of this convention.