A voluntary exit scheme will be introduced for 650 civil servants affected by the Housing Authority's plan to divest its retail and car-park facilities.

The Housing Department said the offer's benefits and eligibility rules are the same as those offered under last year's Second Voluntary Retirement Scheme for selected civil service grades.

The package includes a lump-sum ex-gratia payment calculated on the basis of a month's salary for every two complete years of service, plus pension payable immediately upon retirement.

Staff are being consulted on the details. Taking account of staff feedback, final approval will be sought from the Government and the authority in June.

The department said participation is voluntary and there will be no forced redundancy of civil servants arising from the divestment. Staff choosing to stay will be redeployed.