More than 1,200 Hong Kong employers were prosecuted last year for failing to take out insurance policies for their staff, up from 1,096 in 2008 and 974 in 2007, says Secretary for Labour and Welfare Matthew Cheung Kin-chung. The highest fine imposed was HK$16,000, while an employer was sentenced to seven days' imprisonment. Under the law, any employer who fails to comply with the compulsory insurance requirement is liable on conviction to a maximum fine of HK$100,000 and imprisonment for two years.

Remote workers more productive 

Remote-working programmes can provide staff and employers with benefits such as increased productivity, Xinhua reports. According to a survey by Microsoft Corporation, which canvassed 3,600 employees in the United States, about 60 per cent of respondents said they were more productive and efficient when working remotely. The reasons included a better work-life balance, avoiding traffic, less distractions and a quieter atmosphere.

Graduate jobs up 63 per cent from last year

More than 1,800 full-time graduate jobs were available in Hong Kong from December last year to the end of last month, an increase of more than 63 per cent compared with the same period last year, according to statistics from the Joint Institution Job Information System. Jobs in agriculture and fishery, hospitality and tourism, finance and real estate sectors recorded an increase of more than 90 per cent.