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The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (January 10) said the services of some 30 contract staff helping with roads and minor works in country parks would no longer be required when their contracts expire in the next few months.
In response to press enquiries, a department spokesman said the staff, employed on non-civil service contract (NCSC) terms as casual craftsmen and casual workers, had been given sufficient notice so that they would have more time to make their own arrangement.
"Having reviewed the progress of work and the level of manpower required, we conclude that the number of contract staff could be reduced progressively," a spokesman said.
"The contract workers concerned were hired to meet service needs which are time-limited. Over the years, the demand for constructing roads or structures in country parks has declined steadily and existing manpower in the department could meet the anticipated workload."
Of these NCSC workers, 13 will have their contracts expired on March 31 this year and 19 will have their contracts extended for a few more months to tie in with work progress. The contracts of these 19 NCSC staff will not be renewed upon expiry of the extended contract.
The department will liaise with the Labour Department to render appropriate employment assistance to these workers.
Ends/Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Issued at HKT 20:04
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