The civil service directorate structure should be streamlined with its pay scale revised from 10 to eight levels, and the directorate (legal) pay scale cut from seven to six levels.

These are the top recommendations of the Standing Committee on Directorate Salaries & Conditions of Service's 11th report submitted to the Chief Executive today.

It also proposed some pay points for the former Chief Secretary, the Financial Secretary and the Secretary for Justice before the accountability system's introduction in July 2002 should be removed from the directorate structure.

After considering the findings of a pay comparison study by an independent consultant and balancing all factors, the committee suggests no change to the present salary levels of the civil service directorate officers and disciplined services chiefs, while introducing modest improvements to the incremental scale for experienced directorate officers.

It also recognises the fundamental differences in the remuneration policy and system between the civil service and the private sector which provides variable pay and long-term incentives, while civil servants enjoy job security, a progressive pay scale, a steady career progression and a stable work environment.

Committee chairman Vincent Cheng hoped the recommendations will form a basis for the administration to consider a remuneration package sufficient to attract, retain and motivate officers in the relevant grades. Click here for the report.