kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
SLW observes training course for Mainland contract care workers (with photos/video)
15.3.2022

The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong, visited a professional training centre in Sham Shui Po this afternoon (March 15) to learn more about the training courses for contract care workers from the Mainland after their arrival in Hong Kong, and showed his support for the trainees. Accompanied by the person-in-charge of the training centre and officers of the Social Welfare Department (SWD), Dr Law observed a practical training session and was briefed on the course structure. Dr Law also showed his support for the trainees and expressed his appreciation for their willingness to leave their homes and travel to Hong Kong to take up short-term contract jobs amid the severe epidemic situation, thereby easing the acute manpower shortage of care workers locally. Dr Law said, "The fifth wave of the epidemic has put residential care homes (RCHs) under immense manpower pressure. To provide the manpower urgently needed to take care of the elderly, persons with disabilities and the needy who are required to undergo quarantine or isolation, the SWD has been recruiting contract care workers both locally and from the Mainland. Upon receiving training in areas such as nursing and infection control skills, they will be deployed to work in holding centres, community isolation facilities, quarantine centres or RCHs. To achieve the target of 'reducing deaths, critical cases and infections', the SWD will continue to work with RCHs and provide them with comprehensive support to strengthen anti-epidemic measures and overcome the difficulties arising from the epidemic." The SWD has been directly recruiting contract care workers from the Mainland since early March and 180 have arrived in Hong Kong so far. Upon arrival, they will undergo a three-day training course on nursing and caring skills. Together with this batch of trainees, some 120 of them will be serving at various holding centres by the end of this week. In addition, the SWD is progressively arranging training for other care workers in the coming week. The SWD is also continuing with the local recruitment and actively processing applications, with priority consideration given to those who can start work at the earliest opportunity.
SLW conveys appreciation to enterprise donations for isolation and holding centres to commence service progressively (with photos/video)
14.3.2022

The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong, today (March 14) conveyed his appreciation to China Resources Charity Foundation for its donation of 1 000 hospital beds to the Social Welfare Department (SWD) and assistance to the Government to set up isolation and holding centres in various sports centres. Dr Law visited Harbour Road Sports Centre in Wan Chai and inspected the newly installed beds. He said at the donation ceremony, "The establishment of isolation and holding centres is to look after frail elderly COVID-19 patients in stable condition with mild symptoms or under recovery. They are referred by the Hospital Authority to cater for the needs of residents and elderly persons who may not return to their residential care homes (RCHs) or residences respectively immediately. The purpose is to vacate hospital beds to provide medical and care services to persons with greater needs. We are setting up isolation and holding centres for the elderly in more venues deemed appropriate as an en-route stop in lieu of hospital admission. We are grateful to enterprises for their caring donations as well as the elderly service and healthcare sectors for responding to our call, so that manpower and resources are in place for social capital to meet community needs." Managed and operated by the SWD, the isolation and holding centres include Choi Wing Road Sports Centre in Kwun Tong and Shek Kip Mei Park Sports Centre, which have entered into service respectively since February. Harbour Road Sports Centre will commence service this Wednesday (March 16), while the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal is expected to come into operation next week by phases. Under the triage system implemented by the health authority, more holding centres are under active planning. These centres will provide medical support and care services for the elderly without charge. Dr Law said, "The Government is expediting COVID-19 vaccination for residents of RCHs to enhance protection for all residents. On increasing manpower, the dual-track recruitment both locally and in the Mainland are in progress. The first three batches of Mainland care workers totalling some 120 have entered service or are under training. About 240 more are expected to arrive within this week. We are committed to keeping pace with the rapidly changing epidemic and are trying our very best to protect the elderly. We are working at full steam to co-ordinate treatment and care services, and are making the best efforts to mobilise manpower and resources available to reduce critical cases and deaths."
SLW expresses gratitude to Chinese enterprises for donation of hospital beds to community isolation facility at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal (with photos/video)
4.3.2022

The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong, today (March 4) extended his gratitude to China Overseas Holdings Limited and its subsidiary China State Construction International Holdings Limited for its donation of 1 200 hospital beds and assistance to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government to swiftly set up a community isolation facility (CIF) at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal (KTCT) to meet imminent needs. After his inspection of the newly installed isolation beds and ancillary facilities, Dr Law said at the donation ceremony, "After the KTCT's conversion into a CIF, it will receive frail elderly COVID-19 patients referred by the Hospital Authority for isolation and temporary care, with a view to alleviating pressure of public hospitals and providing care to the elderly. Amid the unprecedented threats of the epidemic, the supply of various anti-epidemic equipment remains tight. The caring donations from Chinese enterprises, coupled with the elderly service sector working in concert and unity, bring timely relief to our anti-epidemic work, for which we are deeply grateful." Managed by the Social Welfare Department, the isolation and holding centre with 1 200 hospital beds will be set up on the ground floor and the two check-in halls on the second floor of the KTCT. Dedicated service organisations will provide medical support and care services without charges. The hospital beds enable care staff to look after the elderly at the bedside, allowing them to take meals and medication safely and comfortably. In addition, the Government thanked the terminal operator for its full co-operation on the conversion works and other on-site support services. Upon completion of its ancillary facilities, the KTCT CIF will come into operation to receive elderly patients by phases. Dr Law stressed, "We are facing a very dire epidemic situation but we are determined to win the fight. The HKSAR Government will mobilise all available manpower and resources to make all-out efforts to save lives and protect our elderly."
Transcript of remarks by SLW on support measures to RCHs in pandemic fight
19.2.2022

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong, on measures to support residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs) and residential care homes for persons with disabilities to fight the pandemic after attending a radio programme this morning (February 19): Reporter: Secretary, if they don't really receive these recovered patients, what are the consequences to these care homes? What kind of help is the Government giving to these care homes when they are so short-staffed or facing such difficulties? Secretary for Labour and Welfare: Definitely, the issue of staffing is something which cannot be dealt with in a relatively short time. Shortage of staff in residential care homes (RCHs) has been with us for a long, long time. Basically, we are talking about vacancy rates at 20 to 25 per cent currently in RCHEs. But definitely, the primary responsibility of taking care of the discharged patients returning to RCHs lies with the RCH operators; and if they don't do that, they can be violating the Code of Practice for RCHs. Therefore, the Social Welfare Department will have the power to enforce that. The minimum thing is to issue warning letters basically, and there can be consequences if there are multiple warning letters. But we understand the challenges and difficulties they are facing, so we try our very best to advise and provide the support, the financial part, the personal protective equipment, etc. We will try our very best to help them to ease their pressure. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
SLW visits COVID-19 vaccination day in RCH
5.1.2022

The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong, visited the COVID-19 vaccination day of an elderly home in Mong Kok this morning (January 5) to take a closer look at the implementation of the Assess and Vaccinate Programme for residents' early vaccination. The Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Ho Kai-ming, also joined the visit. Accompanied by the elderly home operator, Dr Law first chatted with residents and healthcare workers. He then learnt more about the preparatory work prior to the vaccination day, including health assessments for unvaccinated residents conducted by the Visiting Medical Officer (VMO). Upon confirmation that the residents are suitable for receiving the Sinovac vaccine and their family members do not clearly oppose vaccination, VMOs will provide vaccination under residents' informed consent or that of their legal guardians. About 80 residents received vaccination in this round via the above programme. Together with residents vaccinated earlier, more than 70 per cent of residents in the elderly home have received vaccination. Under the Assess and Vaccinate Programme, VMOs are arranged to carry out health assessments and vaccination at residential care homes (RCHs) for the elderly and persons with disabilities in various districts. The vaccination arrangements have been smooth so far and no residents have complained of feeling apparently unwell. Apart from outreach medical practitioners/VMOs arranged by RCHs, the Government will also arrange for health and medical organisations to provide health assessments and vaccination under the programme. From the implementation of the Assess and Vaccinate Programme on September 29, 2021, till January 2, 2022, about 5 300 residents had received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine through the outreach services. Dr Law stressed, "In the face of the more transmissible mutant strains, relying on younger citizens alone to get vaccinated in building an immune barrier within the household is no longer sufficient to protect our elderly. The elderly's vaccination therefore provides them with the highest, most prudent and most effective protection. This programme provides health consultation by doctors to residents and their families in need so that they can better understand the vaccine effectiveness to allay their concerns. We appeal to the management of RCHs for active participation in the programme to provide early vaccination and enhanced protection for residents. This will reduce their risk of getting seriously ill or death upon infection."
SLW visits residential care home to view implementation of outreach vaccination service special programme (with photos)
20.12.2023

The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, visited a residential care home for the elderly (RCHE) in Sheung Wan this afternoon (December 20) to view the implementation of the outreach vaccination service special programme for residential care homes (RCHs). Accompanied by the Chairman of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, Mr Herman Wai, Mr Sun was briefed by the Supervisor of the RCHE on its infection control measures to guard against respiratory tract infections as well as the progress of residents on receiving COVID-19 vaccination and seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV). Mr Sun then observed the vaccination for residents by the medical team. He encouraged the residents to receive COVID-19 vaccination and SIV to enhance personal protection in a timely manner. Mr Sun said, "As there may be more activities in RCHs during the festive season, to better protect residents of RCHEs and RCHs for persons with disabilities, the Government launched a new round of outreach vaccination service special programme for RCHs on December 14. Medical teams will visit RCHs at least once a week to administer COVID-19 vaccines to residents who are due for vaccination, especially for an additional booster. SIV will also be provided concurrently for residents who have yet to be vaccinated to attain dual protection." In addition, Mr Sun presented festive gifts and extended early winter solstice, Christmas and New Year greetings to the elderly and appealed to them to take precautions against the cold weather. He also reminded staff members of the RCHE to take heed of residents' health during the cold spell.
SLW visits construction site to promote occupational safety (with photos/video)
13.12.2023

The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, and the Deputy Commissioner for Labour (Occupational Safety and Health), Mr Vincent Fung, visited a construction site today (December 13) to call on contractors, employers and workers to pay attention to work safety. The Labour Department (LD) attaches great importance to the occupational safety and health (OSH) of construction workers. In light of the recent spate of fatal and serious work accidents in the construction industry, the LD has set up Special Task Forces to conduct inspections and enforcement operations targeting construction sites (especially sites of new works and sites involving high-risk work processes) since late November to continue the efforts to vigorously combat unsafe work practices on construction sites. The Special Task Forces inspected more than 100 construction sites across the territory from November 29 to December 8 with more than 150 improvement notices/suspension notices issued, including the suspension of lifting operations involving cranes on two construction sites. About 120 prosecutions were also initiated, mainly involving work at height, lifting operation, personal protective equipment and electrical work. Mr Sun said, "The Government spares no effort in ensuring construction site safety through inspection and enforcement, publicity and promotion, as well as education and training. Not only the Government, employers and employees also have the responsibility to ensure OSH of construction workers. Everyone should take one step forward." Mr Sun called on contractors and employers of the construction industry to take adequate safety measures and strengthen the safety management system of construction sites. Project managers, managerial staff and foremen of construction sites have to fully demonstrate the management's commitment to OSH and take the lead to conduct inspections regularly to ensure adequate attention has been given to work safety and the formulated safety measures are in place. Workers also have to raise their safety awareness, bear in mind the safety knowledge from Green Card courses, remain vigilant at all times, protect their own safety at work, and cherish their lives and families. âThe LD will continue to conduct rigorous inspections and enforcement actions targeting construction sites, and will take actions pursuant to the law if there is any violation of OSH legislation. In addition, the LD is carrying out a new round of publicity work to disseminate OSH messages through different channels, reminding employers/employees not to contravene OSH legislation, as well as enhancing the safety awareness of workers and frontline supervisors and fostering OSH culture.
Good Employer Charter 2024 to promote family-friendly employment practices (with photos)
24.11.2023

âThe Labour Department (LD) held the kick-off ceremony of the Good Employer Charter 2024 today (November 24), calling on employers of various sectors to join the charter, and adopt good human resource management measures and implement family-friendly employment practices. Speaking at the kick-off ceremony, the Commissioner for Labour, Ms May Chan, said that good human resource management is the key for enterprises in recruiting and retaining employees. The Good Employer Charter 2024 encourages enterprises to offer employment benefits that are more favourable than statutory requirements, promote work-life balance, introduce employee-caring employment practices and maintain good communication with employees having regard to their operational circumstances. She pointed out that this round of the Good Employer Charter, with focus on encouraging "Supportive Family-friendly Good Employer", aims to pay tribute to all good employers who implement family-friendly employment practices and to spur them on. She further added that this year's Policy Address has announced a series of initiatives aimed at promoting fertility, to which family-friendly employment practices can positively contribute. Ms Chan said she hopes that the Good Employer Charter 2024 can further encourage the business sector and different groups in the society to jointly promote good human resource management culture, create a family-friendly workplace, and foster a harmonious and inclusive community. In a short video for the event, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, calls on different organisations to join the charter actively. The Good Employer Charter 2024 is supported by eight organisations, namely the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong, the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, the Employers' Federation of Hong Kong, the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, the Hong Kong General Chamber of Small and Medium Business, the Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management, and the Hong Kong Small and Medium Enterprises Association. A thematic talk was arranged at the event, and small and medium-sized enterprises were also invited to share their successful experiences in carrying out family-friendly employment practices . The LD awarded the first Good Employer Charter in 2018 and then in 2020. This year, the LD launches the Good Employer Charter for the third time to encourage more enterprises to join the fleet of good employers. For event details, please visit the website: www.gec.labour.gov.hk .
Opening remarks by SLW officiating at opening ceremony of Gerontech and Innovation Expo cum Summit 2023 (with photos)
23.11.2023

Following are the opening remarks by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, officiating at the opening ceremony of the Gerontech and Innovation Expo cum Summit 2023 co-hosted by the Government and the Hong Kong Council of Social Service this morning (November 23): Ladies and gentlemen, A very warm welcome to you all from overseas or the Mainland, or coming here within Hong Kong. First of all, I would like to extend my greatest appreciation to the organiser for making this Expo and Summit a possibility. This is the seventh edition of the Expo. We organised the first one six years ago. At that time, I think it might be a baby step, trying to understand and explore what we can make use of technology to address the ageing challenge in Hong Kong. After seven years of hard work and a lot of internal deliberation, I think, if I may say, we are now into early adulthood, so we know what we need. The Government is making significant investment into gerontechnology and we are witnessing huge support from all over society to make better use of technology to help, first of all, the elderly, but also more importantly, their carers. We see a lot of potential in technology. I am sure all the exhibitors today in this great hall are not just going to showcase your great technology and ideas, but also bring them home to a lot of those who need technological solutions to make their life easier and better. Looking forward, in order to make gerontechnology a huge success in Hong Kong, we have to, at least, look at three factors. First of all, cost. We have to make sure it is affordable. We look forward to a wider user net. Secondly, fit for purpose. Hong Kong is a very unique community. We are living in a very crowded space. Every inch of usable space is highly precious, so you have to plan everything into a very compact machine to make sure it works in Hong Kong. I think that is very important. Of course, last but not least, the easiness to use. If you can just condense it into a one quick button so that older people and their carers can make use of it. With these remarks, I would like to wish the Expo every success and hope you have a highly enjoyable and eye-opening experience here in the Expo. Thank you very much. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the opening remarks.)
SLW leads delegation to attend National Conference on Development of Human Resources Services in Shenzhen
21.11.2023

The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, will lead a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) delegation to visit Shenzhen tomorrow morning (November 22) and attend the 2nd National Conference on the Development of Human Resources Services. The delegation comprises over 30 members, including the Commissioner for Labour, Ms May Chan; the Director of Hong Kong Talent Engage, Mr Anthony Lau; the President of the Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management, Mr Lawrence Hung, and representatives of the human resources service sector. Mr Sun will call on leaders of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, visit the HKSAR exhibition area and attend a recruitment event for youth talent in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Mr Sun and the delegation members will arrive in Hong Kong in the evening on the same day.
Transcript of remarks by SLW on TTPS
11.11.2023

âFollowing is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, on the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) at a media session after attending a radio programme this morning (November 11): Reporter: Some coverages have urged the Government to announce the exact places where the talent comes from. Would the authorities consider this? Also, as you mentioned that most of them are from the Mainland, do you think this would create any concerns in the community? Secretary for Labour and Welfare: Set aside for the moment their residency, if you look at where all applicants under the TTPS were upon applying before coming to Hong Kong, around 20 per cent of them were staying overseas when they submitted their applications. In particular if we look at Category C applicants under the TTPS, those who are either fresh graduates or with less than three years of work experience, around 40 per cent were staying overseas when they made their applications. This is by self a clear indication of the attraction of the TTPS to those with overseas education experience and qualifications. When these people come into Hong Kong, what we need to do first of all, of course, is to provide facilitation so they can stay here. This includes looking for accommodation, and if they have children, taking care of their education needs. The most important thing is to help them find a job. On that respect, we have recently collaborated with the insurance sector in holding an online job matching forum which proved to be a success. The response was overwhelming. Through that event, we have successfully found jobs for quite a number of people coming to Hong Kong under the TTPS. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)