Rights assured: Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa stresses the Government is committed to ensuring workers' rights.

Tougher measures have been taken to tackle government service contractors paying unreasonably low wages for non-skilled workers.

Speaking at a Labour Day reception at Government House today, Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa said he is highly concerned with the issue.

Relevant departments have been asked to take more stringent measures to ensure workers' rights, including more frequent inspections by the Labour Department.

The Government will also consider as soon as possible setting an upper and lower limit for working time and wages respectively.

Mr Tung stressed the Government is determined to protect workers' rights.

Unemployment rate still under pressure

On the labour market, Mr Tung said despite the improving economic climate, the unemployment rate will remain under pressure for a while due to the expanding labour force.

In this regard, the Government will continue to invest in education, strengthen training and re-training, and promote life-long learning to sharpen the competitiveness of the labour population.

A number of schemes targeting different age groups are also in place to facilitate employment.

Mr Tung said the economy is picking up, and called on the Government, employers and employees to continue working together for a better Hong Kong and a more vibrant economy.