Minimum wage work 'too slow'

A commission doing preparatory work on a statutory minimum wage will have recommendations ready for the government by the second quarter of next year, its chairwoman said yesterday.

A unionist responded with criticism that progress was too slow.

Commission chairwoman Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah said work on recommended wage levels would begin early next year, when the first set of wage and economic data became available from the government.

In the meantime, members would examine issues related to the design of the wage regime and overseas experience in implementing such a wage.

Discussions would also be held with parties including employers' groups, labour organisations, low-paid groups and smaller firms likely to be affected by the legislation.

Ms Cheng said the recommendations would tie in with the schedule for legislation.