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Government offices rendering back-end and non-essential services suspended operations for the first time on a Saturday this (July 8) morning since their switch to a five-day week at the beginning of the month. The changeover was generally smooth.
A Government spokesman said the authorities had closely monitored the development this morning. A number of residents did turn up at the closed offices of some departments. Government staff stationed on site took immediate steps to provide the residents with assistance, including responding to their enquiries, handing out application forms and taking note of requests that required follow-up action on Monday.
"We will keep in view the situation and continue to render appropriate assistance to members of the public in the coming weeks where necessary. We understand that members of the public need some time to adjust to the new work pattern," the spokesman said.
He pointed out that even this morning, many Government offices remained open, as emergency and essential services were not affected by the new work pattern, and people in need of assistance would still be able to get help.
"For instance, the opening hours of all post office counters, and all Immigration Department service counters (for registration of births, deaths and marriages, registration and replacement of identity cards, visa and travel document applications, etc) remain unchanged. Mail delivery also continues on Saturdays."
Most services of the Social Welfare Department are also maintained on Saturdays. Examples include the departmental hotline service, integrated family service centres and social security field units.
Meanwhile, the Labour Department's 10 job centres, occupational health clinics and occupational medicine units for sick leave clearance operate on Saturdays; and the department's enquiry hotline continues its round-the-clock service.
"Moreover, the monitoring of public transport services and traffic conditions by the Emergency Transport Coordination Centre continues to operate round the clock."
As departments' work schedules may vary, the public is advised to check with the 24-hour Citizen's Easy Link 1823 or to look up the dedicated website at www.info.gov.hk/info/5day before visiting Government offices.
The spokesman reminded the public that it is not necessary for the public to acquire services in person following the move to five-day week pattern. They can obtain these services by other means of service delivery, such as by mail, facsimile, e-service or drop-in box, hence saving time in traveling to government offices and queuing up in front of service counters.
The spokesman said, "Departments which close their service counters on Saturdays will keep them open longer from Monday to Friday.
"Among offices which have extended their working hours are the licensing offices of the Transport Department, which now operate from 9am to 5pm on weekdays.
"The Home Affairs Department's Public Enquiry Service Centres (except Cheung Chau and Mui Wo) now stay open from 9am until 7pm on weekdays, and the Inland Revenue Department's Central Enquiry Counter from 8.15am to 5.30pm," he added.
The Government would continue to publicise the new working pattern of the five-day week in the civil service.
Ends/Saturday, July 8, 2006
Issued at HKT 14:43
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