Frontline and low-skill roles to become more attractive following wage hike 

The government raised the Statutory Minimum Wage to $40 per hour.

Jobs in the frontline service sector will likely become more attractive following the increase of the Statutory Minimum Wage (SMW) rate to $40 per hour, according to Bill Lee, managing director of JobsDB Hong Kong.

According to Lee, the Hong Kong job market dynamics have become increasingly active recently, with a significant increase in job openings for frontline and low-skilled roles.

"With the SMW on the rise, these jobs will become even more attractive, potentially easing the structural imbalance problem and having a positive impact on the labour market in Hong Kong," Lee said.

Based on data from JobsDB, job advertisements for frontline service sector positions increased by 47% YoY in 1Q23. 

"This increase in demand for labour is a clear indicator that businesses are actively recruiting and looking to fill critical posts," Lee said.

Following the SMW increase, Lee advised employers to |adopt a more open attitude towards regularly reviewing and adjusting employee salaries to retain talent."