LC Paper No. CB(2) 495/98-99(01)

LegCo Panel on Manpower
List of outstanding items for discussion
(as at 21.10.1998)

1. Member's bill on age discrimination to be introduced by Hon LAU Chin
-shek

Proposed on 14 July 1998, Mr LAU Chin-shek intends to introduce a Member's bill on age discrimination in this session. The item was originally scheduled for discussion at the meeting held on 24 September 1998 but was subsequently deferred for discussion in November 1998.

2. Review on employment conditions of live-in domestic helpers

The review aims to assess whether special arrangements are required for this group of employees. Hon CHAN Yuen-han suggested at the meeting held on 24 September 1998 that the definition of the term "domestic helper" be further discussed with consideration given to some other employees, e.g. drivers who work in domestic setting. The Administration has yet to complete its review on the subject and undertakes to provide the Panel with an information paper for its discussion in November 1998.

3. Review on re-instatement

The Administration has commenced a review on re-instatement in July 1998 to consider whether there is a need to introduce changes to the condition for re-instatement which is at present subject to mutual consent of employers and employees. The review is expected to be completed by the end of 1998.

4. Review of working time arrangements

The review includes a study on the pattern of working time arrangements of Hong Kong's workforce, an assessment of likely economic implications, overseas experience and practice etc. Originally scheduled for discussion in September 1998, the subject is deferred at the request of the Administration to November 1998.

5. Rest break of employees

Proposed on 21 September 1998, Mr Andrew CHENG Kar-foo is concerned about whether or not local employees will be provided with a rest break of 20-30 minutes following five hours' continuous work as in other countries, e.g. England. Feedback from the Administration is awaited before the Panel examines the issue with a view to proposing a legislative change if necessary.

6. Impact on existing employees and on prospective employers upon change of monopolist of public enterprise

The Panel decided, at its meeting held on 24 September 1998, to study the impact on existing employees when there is a change of the monopolist, such as whether or not they will still be employed, the terms of employment etc. Meanwhile, matters related to tendering of the monopoly in question and impact on the prospective employer will also be examined. The Administration agreed to provide the Panel with a co-ordinated paper on existing arrangements with different public enterprises for its discussion in November 1998.

Legislative Council Secretariat
21 October 1998