Maids ranked below prostitutes, hawkers

Some students think prostitutes and hawkers have more prestigious jobs than domestic helpers and caretakers, a survey revealed yesterday.

They also believe that the jobs of ice-cream seller and rubbish collector are among the least prestigious.

The findings were branded shocking and humiliating by the Asian Domestic Workers' Union, which represents Filipino maids.

The study interviewed 100 students at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology who ranked scientists as having the most prestigious job out of 45 listed occupations.

University professors and lecturers came second highest with the job of Chief Executive third.

The job of building caretaker was ranked the worst, followed by that of domestic helper.