All inclusive: The Government plans to introduce a statutory minimum wage for all industries and trades.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang has announced Government plans to introduce a bill on a statutory across-the-board minimum wage during the current legislative session.

Unveiling the decision in his 2008-09 Policy Address today, Mr Tsang admitted there are limits in promoting wage protection through voluntary participation.

He said despite rises in both the number and proportion of workers benefiting from the Wage Protection Movement for cleaning workers and security guards since its 2006 launch, a review showed the situation on the whole is unsatisfactory.

Mr Tsang also agreed the two job types are not the only low-income jobs, and worker mobility among different types of low-income jobs does exist. Introducing an across-the-board minimum wage should protect workers against exploitation while preventing the loss of low-paid jobs.

"We aim to introduce a bill into the Legislative Council in the 2008-09 legislative session," he said, adding an advisory Minimum Wage Commission will be formed drawing reference from other countries.

The commission will study the level of minimum wage and the review mechanism to ensure a sensible balance between safeguarding the interests of grassroots workers and forestalling the loss of low-paid jobs, while sustaining the economic growth and competitiveness.

The Labour & Welfare Bureau will proceed immediately with the preparatory work for forming the commission which will draw members from the labour sector, business community, academia and government departments.

Mr Tsang, however, noted a minimum wage may not be sufficient to cover family expenses of all staff as family needs vary. Those in need can continue to get help under the current social security system.

He stressed the Government will handle the issues of a minimum wage level and related review mechanism in a prudent and pragmatic manner.