Between January and October this year, 330 jobseekers from a pool of 1,530 were hired, said Wong Chi Hong, director of the Labor Affairs Bureau (DSAL), in response to lawmaker Leong Sun Iok’s written enquiry.
Following the government’s announcement of a new subsidy plan for workers who have earned less than MOP144,000 last year, the lawmaker pointed out in his enquiry that many unemployed individuals may not have been eligible for the scheme.
Since the government evaluates eligibility based on tax declaration records, those who lost their jobs during the pandemic may not be eligible for subsidy because they do not have tax declaration records.
Therefore, Leong asked whether the government could expand the plan’s coverage so that individuals in this situation can be supported as well. He also asked whether the government would enhance its work-support policy, which expands public investments to provide jobs rather than offering direct subsidies.
The DSAL director disclosed the aforementioned employment figures in response, although he stressed that DSAL and the Land, Public Works and Transport Bureau have established a coordination mechanism to match jobseekers with jobs more swiftly.
Wong added that, during the same period, 29 job-matching sessions have been held to recruit workers in security, catering, retail and hotels, among other sectors. Participating employers have hired 395 of 725 candidates interviewed.
Meanwhile, 14 recruitment fairs were held with the six gambling concessionaires finding jobs for 440 jobseekers.
Overall, the DSAL has matched 2,869 jobseekers with jobs.
Over 1,000 vacancies in public works are expected in future, and the DSAL will arrange job-matching programs accordingly.
In answer to Leong’s second question, Wong emphasized that the plan has helped local small and medium sized enterprises to save jobs and further develop, which should help control the unemployment rate.
He added that the government has expanded public investment to create more jobs for local residents.
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