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The employer of a foreign domestic helper was sentenced to 160 hours' community service today (November 13) at Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Courts for underpaying wages to his helper. The prosecution was initiated by the Labour Department.
The employer failed to pay wages according to the minimum allowable wage of $3,400 and $3,580 as set out in the employment contracts signed by both parties in 2007 and 2009. The total amount underpaid was $9,900.
"Employers of foreign domestic helpers should not pay their helpers below the minimum allowable wage stipulated by the Government. Furthermore, employees, including foreign domestic helpers, who are owed wages should promptly report to the Labour Department, assist in investigation and give evidence to protect their interests. The Labour Department does not tolerate wage offences and spares no effort in prosecuting employers who defy the law," a spokesman for the Labour Department said.
The spokesman urged employees who were owed wages to call to the department's complaints hotline on 2815 2200 immediately.
Ends/Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Issued at HKT 15:49
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