Tackling Working Poverty

89.     In the labour policy area, the most important breakthroughs of this Government have been the statutory minimum wage that came into force this year and the recently launched Work Incentive Transport Subsidy Scheme.  Both measures play a pivotal role in protecting low-income workers, alleviating working poverty and promoting employment.  The implementation of the statutory minimum wage marks a change in the traditional mindset of the Government.  It shows that the Government is ready to intervene in the market as appropriate to improve the livelihood of hundreds of thousands of low-income people provided that the free economy of Hong Kong will not be prejudiced.

90.     The Labour Department (LD) will proactively inspect the workplaces of low-income trades, offer all necessary assistance to employers and employees, and closely monitor the impact of the statutory minimum wage.

Contents | Next