54
EMPLOYMENT
the distribution of industrial undertakings and of people employed in them are given in Appendix 20.
The most recent analysis of Hong Kong's workforce showed that about 47 per cent of the working population was engaged in con- struction, manufacturing, mining, quarrying and the utilities; about 24 per cent in various services; 17 per cent in commerce; seven per cent in communications and five per cent in agriculture, forestry and fishing. Based on this pattern, the estimated employment figures at the end of 1971 were: manufacturing 604,200, services 369,670, com- merce 255,710, construction 94,530, agriculture, forestry and fishing 80,050, communications 104,960, public utilities 14,980, mining and quarrying 4,600. Some 5,870 were believed to be employed in other work, making an estimated total of 1,534,570 employed.
The bulk of the industrial population is concentrated in the urban areas of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and New Kowloon but there is increasing industrial development in the New Territories, partic- ularly in the new township of Tsuen Wan. In December 1971, the Labour Department had on record 2,029 factories in the New Territories, with a labour force of 94,991. Although most workers are engaged in modern manufacturing processes and to a small extent in mining and quarrying, traditional village industries still provide employment.
The number of workers who went overseas for jobs during the year was 1,310, compared with 2,150 in the previous year and 2,650 in 1969. Few of these workers were accompanied by dependants.
WAGES AND CONDITIONS OF WORK
Most semi-skilled and unskilled workers in the manufacturing industries are piece-rated, although daily rates of pay are also common. Men and women receive the same rates for piece-work but women are generally paid less when engaged on a time basis. Wages may be calculated on an hourly, daily, or monthly basis or on piece rates and are customarily paid twice monthly or weekly.
The range of daily wages for the manufacturing industries at the end of 1971 was $10.80 to $41.00 for skilled workers; $8.00 to $30.20 for semi-skilled; and $7.30 to $19.20 for unskilled. Many employers provide their workers with free accommodation, sub- sidised meals or food-allowances, good attendance bonuses, and paid rest-days as well as a Lunar New Year bonus of one month's
pay.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.