ENG-1974 — Page 63

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EMPLOYMENT

The 1971 population census revealed a total working population of 1,582,849 in Hong Kong-1,049,989 male and 532,860 female. The main distribution of the work force was manufacturing 677,498; services 312,173; commerce 208,604; construction and engineering 168,773; transport and communication 114,722; agriculture, forestry and fishing 62,975; public utilities 8,870; mining and quarrying 4,518; and other industries 24,716.

The number of workers who went overseas under contracts attested by the Commissioner for Labour during 1974 was 719, compared with 701 in the previous year and 737 in 1972. 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 common. Men and women receive the same rates for piece-work, but women are generally paid less when working on a time basis. Wages may be calculated on an hourly, daily, or monthly basis or on piece rates, and are customarily paid weekly or every two weeks.

Daily wages for the manufacturing industries at the end of 1974 ranged from $18 to $60.90 for skilled workers; $13.20 to $39 for semi-skilled workers; and $12.28 to $26.89 for unskilled workers. Many employers provide their workers with free accommodation, subsidised meals or food-allowances, good attendance bonuses, paid rest-days, and a Lunar New Year bonus of one month's pay.

A consumer price index, designed as an indicator of the effects of price changes on household expenditure, continued to be published throughout the year. It varied from 179 to 196 (base of 100-period of September 1963 to August 1964). In December 1974, this index stood at 187 (see Appendix 15). A special index based on the expen- diture of households spending less than $600 a month and known as the modified consumer price index is also published and used as the basis for adjustment in the salaries of minor staff in government service. A proportion of the wages of all minor staff (Scale 1) in the public service is adjusted quarterly by reference to this index.

The Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance and its regulations control the hours and conditions of work in industry. Since December 1971, the maximum hours of work for women and young people, aged 16 and 17, employed in industry have been eight hours a day and 48 hours a week. In addition to establishing maximum daily working hours, the regulations limit overtime and provide for weekly rest-days, and rest-breaks for women and young people.

Young people aged 14 and 15 may work eight hours a day in industry with a break of one hour after five hours continuous work. Children under the age of 14 are prohibited from working in industry, and no woman or young person is allowed to work at night or underground. The regulations also provide for a pre-employment medical examination of men employed underground or in tunnelling operations and for the periodical medical examination of men under 21 years of age employed underground.