Secretary for Labour & Welfare Matthew Cheung has pledged the Government will make use of the resources available to create jobs, stimulate the economy and minimise the fiscal slowdown's impact on the public.

He told lawmakers today a tough time has been forecast for the coming year and the Government's prime objective will be to preserve employment.

As announced by the Chief Executive recently, more than 60,000 job positions will be provided next year by expediting major and minor infrastructure projects, advancing civil-service recruitment and creating temporary positions.

In expediting major and minor works projects, the Government will collaborate with the Housing Authority and raise project funding in 2009 to $40 billion, creating 55,000 positions.

The Urban Renewal Authority has earmarked $250 million to subsidise building rehabilitation and to conduct 10 community beautification projects, while the Housing Society will help landlords with building maintenance works.

Recruitment of civil servants will be advanced to fill the 7,700 vacancies available from now until 2009-10 as soon as possible. Subject to market need, about 4,000 temporary positions will be offered mainly in the Hospital Authority, non-governmental organisations and service contractors.

In the 2008-09 financial year, all Government bureaux and departments have newly created altogether 1,100 temporary positions lasting less than one year, involving expenditure of $68 million.

Mr Cheung added the Financial Secretary is consulting the public on next year's Budget with a view to formulating more measures to effectively address the challenges brought by the financial tsunami.