Wage rate to be tabled on November

Government to research on standard working hours that should balance the overall business environment and people's life quality.

Secretary for Labour & Welfare Matthew Cheung expects to receive the first recommendation on the minimum wage rate soon and the subsidiary legislation proposal will be submitted to the Legislative Council in mid-November.

Speaking on a radio talk show on Saturday, Mr Cheung said once the minimum wage rate has been confirmed, the Government will start research on standard working hours, which will take about a year to complete.

He hopes to produce a report on what direction the Government should take regarding the issue during his tenure.
Although eight hours of work a day is ideal, he said, the policy should balance the overall business environment and people's life quality, according to a Labour & Welfare Bureau report.

The Labour & Welfare Bureau is working on the details of the improved Work Incentive Transport Subsidy Scheme which will be expanded to cover all 18 districts.

Mr Cheung said the time limit for receiving the monthly allowance of $600 will be lifted and the scheme will be reviewed three years after its implementation. The expanded scheme will involve at least $1 billion in Government expenditure.