Labour Department’s response to media enquiries on employment matters of Apple Daily/Next Digital Limited

     In response to media enquiries about matters of rights and benefits of employees of Apple Daily/Next Digital Limited, a spokesman for the Labour Department (LD) today (June 30) expressed deep concern and called upon Apple Daily/Next Digital Limited to maintain effective communication with its employees over employment matters with appropriate arrangements.
      
     The spokesman continued, "The Employment Ordinance stipulates that wages and termination payments should be paid no later than seven days after the date of termination or expiry of contract. Any employer who fails to do so wilfully and without reasonable excuse is liable to a maximum fine of $350,000 and imprisonment for three years. If the employer becomes insolvent and cannot settle wages in arrears and relevant termination payments, the LD can assist the employees to apply for ex gratia payment from the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund, and for legal aid from the Legal Aid Department as necessary."
      
     The LD calls on affected employees to approach the branch offices of the Labour Relations Division (www.labour.gov.hk/eng/tele/lr1.htm), call the LD's dedicated hotlines (3580 2661 and 3580 8721) during office hours or email to LRD-KT@labour.gov.hk for enquiries on their employment rights and benefits and assistance.
      
     Affected employees in need of employment services can approach job centres of the LD (www1.jobs.gov.hk/0/en/Information/ContactUs) or call the dedicated employment services hotline 2342 0486 during office hours. They may also browse the LD's Interactive Employment Service website or use its mobile application to look for suitable jobs from the job vacancy database of the LD.