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Hong Kong’s Chief Executive gave his 2025 Policy Address earlier today on 17 September 2025. Whereas we will further to this alert separately write about our comments and suggestions, the below sets out the key employment-related remarks made in the Policy Address that both employers and employees should pay attention to.

  1. Stepping up efforts to combat illegal employment. The Government is committed to enhancing actions to combat illegal employment, and the Chief Executive said that a dedicated hotline for reporting illegal workers will be established, in addition to strengthening intelligence collection and inter-departmental joint enforcement operations to safeguard the employment opportunities of local workers.
  2. Setting the first statutory minimum wage rate in accordance with the new annual review mechanism. The Government has agreed to the new mechanism of adopting a formula for implementing the annual review of the Statutory Minimum Wage (SMW) rate proposed by the Minimum Wage Commission. The first SMW rate derived under the new mechanism is expected to take effect on 1 May 2026. The current SMW rate is HK$42.1 per hour.
  3. Protecting digital platform workers. The Government recognises the prevalence of digital platforms, such as those providing food and goods delivery services, and acknowledges both the convenience they bring to the public in Hong Kong and the job opportunities they create. The Chief Executive said that the Government will improve the work injury compensation mechanism for digital platform workers through legislation, and continue to make good use of the Tripartite Committee for the Digital Platform Industry to discuss issues of concern to the stakeholders.
  4. Fostering family-friendly culture at the workplace. The Government will continue to encourage more employers, through the Good Employer Charter, to adopt family-friendly employment practices that are conducive to childcare, such as flexible working hours.

WRITTEN BY

For further information, please contact:

Cynthia Chung – Deacons,
cynthia.chung@deacons.com.hk

Cynthia Chung – Deacons

Cynthia Chung - Deacons. Expert in HR, pensions, and employment law, Cynthia advises on contracts, disputes, restructuring, workplace investigations, and retirement schemes. Recognized as a top lawyer in Asia.

Cynthia heads up the HR and Pensions practice and is also the co-head of Corporate Commercial of the Firm.

She has considerable experience in all labour-related matters (both contentious and non-contentious) and obtaining employment visas for expatriates and their families. She also advises on occupational retirement schemes and the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) and data privacy issues. Cynthia is also experienced in the setting up and advising on on-going requirements of companies limited by guarantee e.g. private clubs and non-profit organisations.

Cynthia is widely recognised in the market and has continued to build on this success by receiving numerous accolades. She has been honored as a “Hall of Fame” in Labour and Employment since 2021 and as a “Leading Individual” since 2018 by Legal 500 Asia Pacific. Additionally, she has highly ranked as a Band 1 Employment Lawyer in Chambers Greater China since 2022.

Highlights
Cynthia regularly advises employers on drafting of employment contracts, reviewing employment related policies and handbooks, drafting of benefit compensation plans, advising on employment disputes, discrimination issues and privacy issues.

She frequently acts for employers in defending discrimination claims and claims in the Labor Tribunal. Other highlights include advising on employee restructuring in a major MNC and conducting investigations in whistleblowing claims by employees. Cynthia is also a rare find in the market who is well-versed with employment aspects in commercial transactions and M&A deals.

Cynthia also regularly advises on implementation of share plans offered by Offshore companies to their subsidiaries in Hong Kong.

In addition, Cynthia has extensive experience in workplace investigations. From handling cases of employee misconduct, harassment, and bullying to fraud, theft, and dishonesty while safeguarding the rights and interests of all parties involved.

She regularly conducts employee trainings to staff e.g. on employment law updates, workplace ethics, data privacy and related issues.

Cynthia also regularly advises employers, trustees and administrators on ORSO retirement scheme documentation and restructuring. She recently assisted a large bank to set up an ORSO successor scheme.

 

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