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More service units will switch to a five-day week from next Monday (January 1) when the Government implements phase two of its five-day week scheme.
The public can visit the website (www.gov.hk/info/5day/) or call the 24-hour 1823 Citizen's Easy Link for details of the Government five-day week arrangements.
Service units joining the five-day week in phase two include the Companies Registry, some offices of the Department of Health and Education and Manpower Bureau.
Some offices in the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Department of Justice, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, Labour Department, Legal Aid Department, Marine Department, Social Welfare Department, Transport Department and Water Supplies Department will also switch to a five-day week from January 1, 2007.
"In drawing up the implementation plans for the phase two implementation of the initiative, 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," the spokesman said.
"They have ensured that the overall level of service available to the public will be compensated fully (if not more than) during weekdays, following the non-provision of services to the public on Saturday.
"Offices that close on Saturdays will have their opening hours extended on weekdays.
"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."
The following units and services will move to the five-day week with effect from January 1, 2007: (see Table)
"In implementing the five-day week initiative, the overall level and efficiency of government services is maintained," the spokesman said. "Emergency and essential services are not affected. Services such as those involving the maintenance of law and order, administration of penal institutions and provision of rescue services will continue to be provided round the clock."
The Government adheres to the four basic principles in taking forward the five-day week initiative - 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.
Ends/Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Issued at HKT 14:30
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