Two-hour overtime cap proposed for lower-paid Hong Kong workers in bid to end stalemate over standard hours

A social policy expert has suggested a two-hour cap on overtime - and only for those earning HK$65 an hour or less - as a solution to the deadlock over standing working hours legislation.

The proposal by University of Hong Kong professor Nelson Chow Wing-sun, which aims to strike a balance between affordability and workers' welfare, failed to win immediate support from employers and employees.

However, Labour Party chairman Lee Cheuk-yan conceded it was better than nothing.

"I might not agree with points … but it's a proposal nonetheless - something the government has failed to come up with in months of discussion," said Lee.

Debate on the issue has centred on the definition of "standard working hours" and whether they should be standardised across occupations.

The Standard Working Hours Committee, set up in April 2013, ends its term early next year when it will have to submit a report to the government. "I think the discussion has veered off track," said Chow.

His plan caps overtime payment at two hours - set to keep workers on an eight-hour day from working more than 10 hours just for the money, he said.