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Too young and too old - locked out by 'unfair' limits

Genevieve Ku

At the tender age of 16, Li Tin-yau is looking forward to embarking on a career - if someone will give him a chance.

Li's six-month job search has met with countless employers telling him he is 'under age'.

'I look through the newspapers nearly every day in search of a job,' he said.

'I am only seeking jobs like office assistants or clerks, but the companies always tell me that they won't take me because I'm too young.

'Some of them have made it plain that they would not employ me because of my age. They say I have to be at least 18.

'It is quite unfair, because people usually have stereotypes of us being unsteady and immature. That keeps us on the back foot.

'All I can do now is just wait for news . . . and maybe take up a summer course.

'Legislation may help a little bit. But I think the major problem lies in the preconceptions of employers.'

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