ENG-1996 — Page 169

EMPLOYMENT

the Job Matching Programme, which aims to provide intensive job-matching and counselling services, to all unemployed job-seekers irrespective of age.

The division continued to operate the Outreaching Placement Service which offered immediate employment assistance to workers affected by major retrenchments. The division's Special Placement Team also provided assistance to local construction workers seeking work in contracts under the New Airport and Related Projects. All these programmes were well received by job-seekers and employers. In addition, two large-scale job bazaars were organised jointly with the Employees Retraining Board and major employers associations in April and October 1996 so that job-seekers can better understand the labour market and make job applications with employers on the spot. The events attracted 4 800 visitors.

During the year, 118 844 job-seekers registered with the division while employers reported 105 631 vacancies. The division made 189 618 job referrals and placed 26 896 persons in employment.

Employees Retraining Scheme

The Employees Retraining Board was set up in 1992 to provide skills-retraining for local employees to cope with structural changes in the economy. It has representatives from the government, employers, employees, training institutions and manpower planning practitioners.

Training is delivered through a network of approved training bodies, with funding support for approved courses from the Employees Retraining Fund. The fund received a capital injection of $300 million from the government when it was set up. Its regular income comes from a levy charged on employers employing foreign workers under two labour-importation schemes at the rate of $400 per worker per month. In May 1996, the government injected another $300 million into the fund to ensure that it had the financial resources to expand its programmes.

The Employees Retraining Scheme offers a wide variety of day and evening courses for local employees aged 30 and over. The courses fall into four main categories: job search skills, job-specific skills, general skills and skills upgrading. An important feature of the scheme is that employers, as end users, are encouraged to participate as much as possible in the design and delivery of the programmes. Apart from skills upgrading courses, all courses are free and retrainees receive a retraining allowance of $4,000 per month for attending full-time courses. By the end of 1996, retraining had been provided to 154 608 persons under the scheme.

With the Employees Retraining Board entering its fourth year of operation, the government initiated a review of the role, operation and future direction of the scheme. The key findings and recommendations of the review were published in December for public consultation.

Employing the Disabled

The Selective Placement Division of the Labour Department helps disabled persons integrate into the community through open employment. It provides a free employment counselling and placement service for the hearing impaired, sight impaired, physically disabled, chronically ill, mentally retarded and mentally restored persons.

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