Supplementary Labor Optimization Scheme and Labor Shortage in the Food and Beverage Industry in Hong Kong
According to the data provided by the Labour Department, among the 26 "non-technical or low-skilled" positions, the position of waiter/waitress received the highest number of applicants, with 1,305 people. This was followed by salespersons, junior chefs, and warehouse administrators, with 575, 492, and 270 applicants respectively. Additionally, the security industry also experienced a high number of applications, involving 600 workers.
Labour Department to review applications
The Labour Department stated that during the application process, they not only consider the job titles but also examine the specific circumstances of each position, including job scopes and the nature of the employer's business. They consult relevant decision-making bodies, departments, training institutions, or professional organizations to determine the category of the applied positions. Despite this, under the new scheme, applications still need to be referred to the Labour Advisory Board, with the final decision resting with the Commissioner for Labour.
Strict scrutiny for applications exceeding expectations
Lin Wai-kong, the labor representative of the Labour Advisory Board and Deputy Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions, emphasized that the approval process would be rigorous, including reviewing the local recruitment situation of the employers. Tam Kam-lin, Vice Chairman of the Confederation of Trade Unions, mentioned that they have not yet received the relevant application materials and data, which are expected to be submitted to the Labour Advisory Board this month. They will scrutinize the applications strictly and have reached a consensus not to approve applications for 10 job categories with lower entry requirements, such as cashiers and salespersons.
Nearly 6,000 applications received
Regarding the high number of applications for the position of waiter/waitress, Simon Wong Ka-wo, President of the Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, stated that there is a labor shortage in positions such as waiter/waitress and junior chefs, and there is also a shortage of senior chefs. Most of the applications come from medium to large restaurants, Chinese banquet venues, fast-food chains, and restaurant groups. According to the data released by the Hong Kong Labour Department, they received nearly 6,000 applications after launching the Supplementary Labor Optimization Scheme. The scheme aims to address labor shortages in various local job categories. It relaxes the application approval process for the 26 "non-technical or low-skilled" job categories and is valid for two years.
