The following is issued on behalf of the Pay Trend Survey Committee:

     The 2017 Pay Trend Survey (PTS) Report, compiled by the Pay Survey and Research Unit of the Joint Secretariat for the Advisory Bodies on Civil Service and Judicial Salaries and Conditions of Service, was released today (May 18) to Members of the Pay Trend Survey Committee (PTSC).

     The survey has indicated the following average pay adjustments in the surveyed companies over the 12-month period from April 2, 2016, to April 1, 2017.

Tentative Findings of the 2017 PTS (subject to verification)
 

	Basic Pay Indicator	+	Additional Pay Indicator	=	Gross Pay Trend Indicator
Lower Salary Band (below $21,255 per month)	4.01%	+	-0.23%	=	3.78%
Middle Salary Band ($21,255 - $65,150 per month)	4.47%	+	-0.96%	=	3.51%
Upper Salary Band ($65,151 - $132,580 per month)	3.31%	+	-0.78%	=	2.53%

     Members of the PTSC are at present studying the survey report in detail. Subject to their analysis and deliberation, the PTSC would verify and consider to validate the findings of the survey at its meeting on May 25, 2017. After that, the PTS results will be submitted to the Government. In accordance with the established practice, the Government will take into account the Pay Trend Indicators derived from the PTS and other pertinent considerations (such as the state of the economy of Hong Kong, the Government's fiscal position, changes in the cost of living, pay claims of the staff sides and civil service morale) before making a decision on the 2017-18 civil service pay adjustment.

     The survey results reflect the pay trend in 111 companies covering 156 238 employees over the 12-month period from April 2, 2016, to April 1, 2017. Among these companies, there are 86 larger companies (employing 100 or more staff) and 25 smaller companies (employing 50 to 99 staff). These companies are regarded as typical employers in their respective fields, and are generally known as steady and good employers with rational and systematic salary administration.

     The survey is conducted in accordance with the improved methodology as approved by the Chief Executive-in-Council in March 2007. The survey takes into account adjustments to basic salary and additional payments awarded to employees of the surveyed companies attributable to factors in relation to cost of living, general prosperity and company performance, general changes in market rates, merit and inscale increment.

     The PTSC is chaired by Mr Wilfred Wong Kam-pui, who is a member of the Standing Commission on Civil Service Salaries and Conditions of Service. Mr Wong wishes to express the PTSC's sincere appreciation of the co-operation and assistance rendered by the participating companies to the 2017 PTS.

Ends/Thursday, May 18, 2017
Issued at HKT 16:28

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