A woman has been jailed nine months by Tsuen Wan Magistracy for underpaying $13,500 in wages to her foreign domestic helper.

It is the year's second case in which a jail sentence was imposed on an employer or responsible person for a wage offence.

The defendant failed to pay her helper according to the minimum allowable wage of $3,270 as set out in the employment contract signed by both parties in 2005. She denied the charge and was convicted January 8 after a full trial.

The Labour Department welcomed the judgment saying it sends a strong message to employers they should abide by the law in paying wages as the courts are attaching more importance to wage offences.

The Employment Ordinance stipulates wages due upon expiry of the last day of the wage period shall be paid as soon as practicable but in any case not later than seven days thereafter. Violators face up to three years' jail and a $350,000 fine.

Staff owed wages should call the department on 2815 2200.