The family of deceased firefighter Ho Wai-ho, who died while battling Hong Kong’s deadliest blaze in November, will receive HK$6.15 million (US$831,246) in financial assistance in recognition of his courage and selflessness. The government on Friday announced a grant approved by the body responsible for providing financial support to families of individuals who died while…
Hong Kong’s jobless rate edged up by 0.1 percentage point over the past three months to 3.9 per cent after holding steady in the period between August and October last year, with unemployment rising in the insurance, construction and finance sectors. But labour authorities remained optimistic, saying the growing economy would support the job market…
Hong Kong’s lowest-paid workers are set to receive a pay rise of HK$1 per hour, from the current HK$42.10 (US$5.40) to HK$43.10, as recommended by the government’s top decision-making body, with the new rate expected to come into force as early as May. The government announced on Tuesday that the Executive Council had adopted the…
Hong Kong mother Amy Chan* often feels overwhelmed caring for her nine-year-old son, who has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The 39-year-old said her son, diagnosed with the condition two years ago, seldom listened to her and lost his temper easily, putting tremendous pressure on her and taking a toll on her mental health. Chan,…
Hong Kong’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.8 per cent over the past three months, although both the labour force and total employment fell slightly. Preliminary data released by the Census and Statistics Department on Tuesday showed that movements in the unemployment and underemployment rates in different sectors varied in the September to November period,…
Fire safety risks still persist on construction sites across Hong Kong following the deadly blaze in Tai Po, the industry watchdog has warned, after a scaffolding worker in a major subsidised estate was sacked for smoking. Thomas Ho On-sing, chairman of the Construction Industry Council, on Saturday criticised the industry for failing to “learn a…
Hong Kong’s chief executive will lead a delegation to Beijing next week to attend a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and has pledged to install commemorative plaques at various local sites to deepen residents’ understanding of the city’s wartime history. John Lee Ka-chiu on Saturday also continued…
More than half of the professionals admitted to Hong Kong under a top talent scheme launched two years ago have applied to extend their stay, a rate that the city’s labour chief has hailed as “ideal”. Reviewing the Top Talent Pass Scheme, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han also revealed on Friday that…