Unpaid Leave Is Just Like Job Sharing: Law Chi-kwong

Labour and Welfare Secretary Law Chi-kwong on Wednesday described unpaid leave as "job-sharing", saying it's better for workers to be asked to accept such an arrangement rather than being laid off because of the economic downturn.

With many people required to take days off without pay during the pandemic, Law was asked at a Legislative Council meeting what officials are planning to do to help suffering workers.

"The [unpaid leave] actually reflects market changes. In the past some people called this job sharing," the minister said in response to a question from Business and Professionals Alliance councillor Christopher Cheung.

"You normally work five days and you turn it into four. If you don't share the job, the employer could sack 20 percent of staff," Law said.

He went on to say that many companies cannot afford to keep all their employees on the books, and the unpaid leave arrangements that many have adopted reflect the "Hong Kong's market's flexibility".

Law said such moves allow people to adapt to the new business environment through "mutual understanding", and employers and employees should face the tough economic times together.

Lawmaker Alice Mak, from the Federation of Trade Unions, said she was disappointed that Law could only offer comments that upset people.

"He's now doing nothing, and just telling people that, okay, you can share your job. This is not what a scholar in social welfare should say, right? And as the secretary for labour and welfare, he's not done his job well," she said.

The unionist said Law should instead be introducing measures or creating jobs to help the unemployed and under-employed.