Rising unemployment could be a time bomb which sets off social unrest, unionists have warned.
Confederation of Trade Unions head Lee Cheuk-yan said he expected more mass layoffs and more companies to shut down.
'Recent statistics showed 30 per cent of those committing suicide had economic problems, while there are more reports of domestic violence,' said Mr Lee.
His warning came as another 170 people were made redundant when fast-food company Maxim's closed six outlets, while Duty Free Shoppers sacked 300 on Tuesday in response to the slump in the number of tourist arrivals.
Inquiries and complaints made to the union are up 50 per cent on last year, reaching 1,400 a month.
'The nature of the calls has changed. In the past, they used to ask about entitlements such as holidays or maternity leave. But this has shifted to the changing of employment terms involving commission and salary cuts and longer working hours,' said Mr Lee.
