The Pay Trend Survey Committee has released the results of the 2008 Pay Trend Survey and has submitted the findings to the Civil Service Bureau.

The survey found that 141,289 employees in 97 companies have received pay rises ranging from 4.47% to 6.9% from April 2 last year to April 1.

Those earning less than $14,990 per month received a pay rise of 4.47%. Those with salaries between $14,990 to $45,970 per month saw a pay rise of 5.87%, while those earning $45,971 to $91,765 per month received a 6.9% increase.

The indicators are tentative and are subject to validation by the committee on May 21.

Civil service pay adjustment

Upon the committee's validation of the results, the Chief Executive-in-Council will decide on the rates of adjustment, if any, to civil service pay for 2008-09 having regard to the "net pay trend indicators" and other relevant factors.

In working out the "net pay trend indicators", the civil service payroll cost of increments in 2007-08 will be deducted from the "gross pay trend indicators" derived from the survey. The payroll costs of increments of the lower, middle and upper civil servant bands are 0.57%, 0.58% and 0.6%.

In considering the rates of civil service pay adjustment for each salary band for 2008-09, the Government will, in addition to the "net pay trend indicators", consider the state of the economy, the Government's fiscal position, changes in the cost of living, the staff sides' pay claims and civil service morale. Any adjustment must have the Legislative Council Finance Committee's approval.