Secretary for Labour & Welfare Matthew Cheung says the Government is studying whether the proposed minimum wage bill should cover live-in domestic helpers, adding it will take into account relevant parties' views.

In response to public meetings to observe Labour Day today, Mr Cheung said the Government will ensure the proposed bill is not only legally tenable but also practicable in terms of operation and enforcement.

"We aim to introduce the Minimum Wage Bill and the Employment (Amendment) Bill to the Legislative Council within the current legislative session as scheduled. The two bills seek to forestall excessively low wages and to make non-payment of Labour Tribunal awards a criminal offence."

Given the ever-changing social environment and needs, the Government will review labour policies from time to time to keep abreast of the pace of Hong Kong's socio-economic development and to take account of the needs of both employers and employees.

To reduce the financial turmoil's impact, the Government is now implementing progressively the series of measures announced earlier to stablise the financial system, support enterprises, preserve employment and create jobs.

"We are closely monitoring the evolving external economic scene. The Financial Secretary has undertaken to provide an update on the overall economic condition in the middle of this year and will introduce, as necessary, additional suitable measures to tide over the difficult period."