​The Labour Department (LD) invites applications from eligible persons for appointment as approved assessors to conduct productivity assessments for employees with disabilities under the Minimum Wage Ordinance (Cap.608) (MWO). Applications will be accepted from today (January 9) until February 17 (Friday).
 
     In accordance with the MWO, employees with disabilities and able-bodied employees are both protected by the Statutory Minimum Wage. The MWO also provides for a special arrangement under which employees with disabilities whose productivity may be impaired by their disabilities have the right to undergo a productivity assessment and be remunerated at a rate commensurate with their productivity. The right to invoke a productivity assessment, which should be conducted by approved assessors, is solely vested in employees with disabilities.
 
     The Minimum Wage (Criteria for Approved Assessors) Notice (Cap.608A) specifies that approved assessors should be registered occupational therapists, registered physiotherapists, registered social workers or vocational rehabilitation practitioners with the requisite years of experience in the provision of vocational rehabilitation or other services in relation to employment of persons with disabilities.
 
     Eligible applicants who have satisfactorily completed the training arranged by the LD will be appointed as approved assessors. Information of approved assessors will be shown in the register of approved assessors. Employees with disabilities who decide to undergo a productivity assessment may select and contact approved assessors from the register to directly arrange for the assessment. An allowance of $2,800 will be given to an approved assessor upon completion of a productivity assessment and the required administrative procedures.
 
     Details of the application including the criteria for appointment as approved assessors, application forms and notes for applicants are available on the LD homepage (www.labour.gov.hk). For enquiries, please call 2852 3816.

Ends/Monday, January 9, 2023
Issued at HKT 14:00

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