Young people should be aware of the importance and the implications of the job contract, and they should also be aware that as employees they are entitled to legal protection under the Employment Ordinance.

This summer, the Federation of Trade Unions has received more than 50 calls from young workers and their parents relating to dubious job contracts.

'When problems crop up relating to the job contract, young people are usually too scared to talk directly to the employer,'

said Hannah So Chun-na, spokeswoman for the Federation of Trade Unions.

Employees often become victims of exploitation by unscrupulous bosses who take advantage of loopholes in the contract.

One such victim was Alan (not his real name), 22, who took on a job at a piano store last year. During his four-month stint, he had about HK$700 deducted from his salary. The reasons for the pay cut, according to the boss, were being 'late for work' and 'applying for one day's sick leave'.

'It was stated in the contract that for every minute I was late for work one dollar would be deducted,' Alan said.

'I couldn't believe an employer could be that harsh.'

Hang (not his real name), 18, is another such victim. He worked as a part-time promotions officer last year for a month, but did not receive his salary until a year later.

'It was my first job offer,' Hang said. 'I was thrilled and said yes immediately. I had to go around the city to promote a product. I had to work overtime and there was no travel allowance or subsidy.'

Hang recalled thinking at the time that the work conditions were unfair and unreasonable, but he accepted the job.

He resigned after a month, and his employer promised to pay him within a week.

But it took a whole year, and legal action, before Hang got his pay.

'The boss kept delaying to pay me. In the end, I couldn't even reach him,' he said.

Hang then turned to the Labour Department for help. After long legal procedures, Hang finally received his salary of HK$4,400. It was paid by the Labour Department's Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund Board.

'I wasn't aware of the Employment Ordinance and was clueless about employees' rights and protection,' Hang said.

Employees seeking advice relating to their work contracts should call the Labour Department at 2717 1771 or the Federation of Trade Unions at 3652 5888.

Here are some tips from the Federation of Trade Unions:

Consult experienced adults when looking for a job

Read through the contract carefully, and do not sign if you have any doubts

Keep a copy of the contract

Do not be afraid to ask your employer any questions about your job, and do not hesitate to point out unfair treatment

Quit the job if you find that it's potentially dangerous

It is illegal for an employer to deduct more than a certain amount of an employee's wages over a period of time

An employer who fails to pay an employee within seven days after the wages are due is liable to prosecution