Starting salaries for 36 basic ranks of civil-service recruits in degree-qualification grades will be reduced by two pay points, the Civil Service Bureau says.

The Chief Executive-in-Council made the decision in accordance with the Standing Commission on Civil Service Salaries & Conditions of Service's recommendations.

After the cut, the revised starting pay for these ranks will be at or above $19,835, and will still be higher than the third quartile level of market pay for new recruits with the same educational qualifications. This will enable the Government to attract quality recruits to join and remain in the civil service.

Subject to Legislative Council vetting, the revision will apply to recruits offered appointments from October 1.

Starting salaries for all other grades, including the disciplined services, will be unchanged.