ENG-2000 — Page 175

EMPLOYMENT

September 2000. After discounting changes in consumer prices, the average wage rate increased by 3.3 per cent in real terms.

In September 2000, the average monthly wage rate for the supervisory, technical, clerical and miscellaneous non-production workers in the wholesale, retail and import/export trades, restaurants and hotels sector was $12,065. Based on the wage indices, the average wage rate for this group increased by 1.3 per cent in money terms, or by 3.5 per cent in real terms, compared with September 1999.

Over the same period, the average wage rate in the manufacturing sector rose by 2.2 per cent in money terms, or by 4.4 per cent in real terms. At the craftsman and operative levels in the manufacturing sector, 75 per cent of workers received a daily wage of $251 or more in September; while 25 per cent received $398 or more. The overall average daily wage was $339, or $8,530 per month, for these craftsmen and operatives.

Employee Benefits

The Employment Ordinance provides for various employment-related benefits and entitlements for employees. On top of the statutory requirements, employers and employees are free to negotiate on the terms and conditions of their employment.

The Registrar of Occupational Retirement Schemes regulates voluntarily established occupational retirement schemes under the Occupational Retirement Schemes Ordinance. At the end of the year, there were 15 748 registered schemes and 2017 exempted schemes. All registered schemes must comply with the ordinance's various monitoring requirements.

Furthermore, in accordance with the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) Schemes legislation, Hong Kong has had in place since December 1, 2000 a system of privately managed, employment-related MPF schemes to accrue financial benefits for members of the workforce when they retire. In order to minimise the interference with existing retirement schemes, 445 occupational retirement schemes had been granted exemption from MPF requirements.

Labour Administration and Services

The Labour Department, headed by the Commissioner for Labour, implements labour policies and labour legislation for the promotion of harmonious labour relations and responsible trade unionism, the safeguarding of employees' rights and benefits and the protection of the safety, health and welfare of the working community. It also provides free employment services to employers and job-seekers.

Labour Conditions

The employment of children under 15 years of age is prohibited in industrial undertakings. Children aged 13 and 14 may be employed in non-industrial establishments if they have completed Form 3 in secondary education. Those who have not must concurrently attend full-time schooling as a prerequisite for part-time employment. Specific provisions under the labour legislation protect their safety, health and welfare.

Labour inspectors monitor employers' compliance with various provisions of the Employment Ordinance relating to the employment of young persons and children, payment of wages and granting of annual leave, statutory holidays, rest days,

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