HK Bellawings.jet Limited and its director were prosecuted by the Labour Department (LD) for failing to pay wages and payment in lieu of notice in accordance with the Employment Ordinance (EO). The company and its director pleaded guilty at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts today (October 21). Both defendants were each fined $100,000, making a total fine of $200,000. The company and its director were also ordered by the court to pay the employee an outstanding sum of about $1,360,000 jointly and severally.
The company failed to pay an employee wages and payment in lieu of notice of about $1,650,000 within seven days after termination of the employment contract in accordance with the requirements of the EO. The director was convicted for his consent, connivance or neglect in the above offences.
"The ruling helps disseminate a strong message to all employers and responsible officers of companies that they have to pay wages and other termination payments within the time limit stipulated under the EO," a spokesperson for the LD said.
"The LD will not tolerate these offences and will spare no effort in enforcing the law and safeguarding employees' statutory rights," the spokesperson added.
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