SOSC 103DSocial Inequality in HK

Lecture 12: Poor People in HK

L12: 18.10.06

Who are the poor people in HK?

Unemployed people:Aged people, Single parents, and

Those who suffer from chronic illness

The working poorUnskilled labour, Contract workers

• What are their living conditions in HK?• How are they being protected by the social

welfare/ social security system?• Public and social attitudes towards them?

L12: 18.10.06

The working poor

• Long working hours – security guide: 12 hours/ day– cleansing workers: 10.2 hours/ day

• Low income– Cleansing workers: $3,600/ month ($12-15/ hour)

• Contracted-out workers– E.g. work in public toilets (<$3,500 VS $5,300-$5,900)

L12: 18.10.06

The contracted-out workers

• Short-term employment – 6 months, 1 months, 1 week, 1 day/ 1 night

• Intensive and heavy workload

• Lack of legal protection– Wage reduction– Holidays– MPF– Insurance

L12: 18.10.06

Common characteristics

• Low education and limited skills

• Weak social network

• Unstable and low household income

• Lack of bargaining power– In terms of income and other benefits

• Choice between keeping the low income job or applying for social assistance

L12: 18.10.06

Alternative?

• CSSA (Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme)– Assets limits (cash, savings, investments, real

properties, and other realizable assets):

No. of family members (able-bodied) Assets limits ($)

Single 22,000

1 14,500

2 29,000

3 43,500

4 or above 58,000

L12: 18.10.06

CSSA

• Standard Rate (for family)

E.g. 1400+1150+1280+1280 = $5,110/month

Single person

2 3 4 or more

Single parent/ family carer

- - 1,750 1,580 1,400

Other adult 1,610 1,435 1,295 1,150

Able-bodied child 1,930 1,600 1,440 1,280

L12: 18.10.06

Role of Government

• Social welfare?

• Limit the number of outsourcing in governmental projects and services?

• Better implementation of the laws and policies?

• Legislating other protective laws for labour?