The Labour Department handled 14,868 labour disputes and claims in the first seven months of the year, down 11% on the same period last year.

Permanent Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Matthew Cheung said this reflected sustained improvement in Hong Kong's labour relations, adding the successful conciliation rate for the period rose to a record 69.8%, the highest since 1994.

Speaking today at a labour quiz award presentation, Mr Cheung said the department provides a free and effective conciliation service to employers and workers to resolve disputes.

The average waiting time for conciliation of claims was shortened to 2.3 weeks in the first seven months of this year from 3.5 weeks. The department has adopted a multi-pronged approach in publicising the statutory rights and obligations of employers and workers.