*******************************************
The public is reminded that many offices of Government policy bureaux and departments do not open this morning (July 8) as the Government adopted a five-day week on July 1.
As departments' work schedules may vary, people are advised to check with the 24-hour Citizen's Easy Link 1823 or look up the dedicated website at www.info.gov.hk/info/5day before visiting Government offices today.
A Government spokesman said that some departments closed their service counters on Saturdays, but keep them open longer from Monday to Friday.
"Bureaux and departments have also put in place or further enhanced alternative means of service delivery. For example, motorists may renew their driving or vehicle licences from the Transport Department by post or authorise an agent to act on their behalf. Traders may obtain most of the services provided by the Trade and Industry Department through electronic means round the clock," he added.
The spokesman said the Government had taken care to ensure that people in need of assistance would still be able to get help under the new work pattern.
Most services provided directly to the public by the Social Welfare Department are 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.
The spokesman stressed that the provision of emergency and essential services would not be affected by the new work pattern.
"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."
The Education and Manpower Bureau's 16 service centres for teachers, parents and students, etc. also remain open on Saturdays.
"Residents may continue to book leisure facilities and enrol in activities at more than 130 leisure venues of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, most of which open seven days a week," the spokesman said.
Ends/Saturday, July 8, 2006
Issued at HKT 07:01
NNNN