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The Government will launch phase two of its five-day week scheme next year with more service units joining on January 1.
"Around 8,400 civil servants will migrate to a five-day week in phase two," a spokesman for the Civil Service Bureau said today (November 20).
The Government adheres to the four basic principles in taking forward the five-day week initiative, namely: no additional staffing resources; no reduction in the conditioned hours of service of individual staff; no reduction in emergency services; and continued provision of some essential counter services on Saturdays.
"The overall level and efficiency of government services is maintained. Emergency and essential services are not affected. Services such as those involving the maintenance of law and order, administration of penal institutions, provision of rescue services, etc., will continue to be provided round the clock," the spokesman said.
The following services will migrate to the five-day week starting from January 1 next year: (see Table)
"In drawing up the implementation plans for the phase two implementation of the initiative," the spokesman said, "bureaux and departments have taken into account possible implications on their statutory obligations, performance pledges, occupational safety and health concerns, and views of staff and major stakeholders in the private sector as appropriate.
"They have ensured that the overall level of service available to the public will be compensated fully (if not more than) during the weekdays, following the non-provision of services to the public on Saturday.
"Offices that close on Saturdays, will have their opening hours on weekdays extended.
"To complement the five-day week operation, alternative means of service delivery such as internet services, drop-in boxes and alternative payment channels are made available or further enhanced.
"In addition, bureaux and departments will compress their performance pledges to ensure that the relevant services are delivered within the same calendar days as at present or endeavour to clear outstanding applications by the Friday where practicable.
"We are satisfied that the phase one implementation, starting July 2006, has been generally smooth. The quality of government services has been maintained and the public has generally accepted this arrangement."
On July 1 this year, about 59,300 civil servants moved to a five-day week; and 16,600 civil servants to a "five-day-work, two-day-off" roster while services continue to be provided on Saturdays (and Sundays in certain cases). Some 9,600 non-civil service contract staff also joined the five-day week in phase one.
The spokesman said staff feedback had been positive.
"The scheme has already brought a number of benefits to staff, such as stress reduction; a better work-life balance; more opportunity for sports, recreational and cultural activities; more time for self-development and voluntary and community work; and more time for family. We believe the scheme has had a positive impact on the community."
Subject to the resolution of some outstanding issues such as legislative amendments, further assessment of service utilisation patterns, etc., by bureaux and departments, it is estimated at this stage that some 10,500 staff may switch to the five-day week in the final phase in July 2007. By that time, it may be possible for a total of 94,800 staff to work five days or shifts per week.
For details of the government five-day week arrangements, the public can visit the website (www.gov.hk/info/5day/) or call the 24-hour 1823 Citizen's Easy Link.
Ends/Monday, November 20, 2006
Issued at HKT 16:21
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