Employers urged to prioritise hiring local workers

Jobs, salaries and benefits for locals is government policy.

According to a release, employers must accord priority to local workers in filling job vacancies, Secretary for Labour & Welfare Matthew Cheung says, reiterating that it is the Government's policy to safeguard jobs, salaries and benefits for locals.

Mr Cheung told lawmakers that employers having difficulty employing suitable staff locally can consider applying to import workers to fill vacancies through established channels, such as the Labour Department’s Supplementary Labour Scheme.

In 2012, more than 200 construction workers in various trades were imported under the Supplementary Labour Scheme, he said.

In view of a projected manpower shortage and an ageing workforce in some trades, the relevant bureau will take steps to attract new entrants, particularly young people.

"The Administration will provide multi-skills training for local workers, improve the work environment and conditions, and provide job matching with a view to better utilising the manpower resource of the local construction industry and sharing the fruits of economic growth with them."

Mr Cheung said the construction industry jobless rate stands at 4.9%, and the underemployment rate at 7.4%. The Government expects the annual capital works expenditure for the next few years to exceed $70 billion.

"While continual investment in infrastructure as well as public and private housing construction will create more opportunities for the construction industry, it will add further pressure to the manpower situation. To ensure various works projects can proceed smoothly, the Administration will closely monitor labour supply and demand in the construction industry."