Press Releases

2007 Pay Trend Survey findings announced

The 2007 Pay Trend Survey Report, compiled by the Pay Survey and Research Unit of the Joint Secretariat for the Advisory Bodies on Civil Service and Judicial Salaries and Conditions of Service, is released today (May 21) to Members of the Pay Trend Survey Committee (PTSC).

The survey has indicated the following average pay adjustments in the surveyed companies over the 12-month period from April 2, 2006 to April 1, 2007:

4.28% for lower salary band (i.e. employees earning below $14,330 per month);
5.24% for middle salary band (i.e. employees earning from $14,330 to $43,940 per month);
5.59% for upper salary band (i.e. employees earning from $43,941 to $87,430 per month).

The above indicators are tentative and are subject to validation by the PTSC next Monday (May 28).

The PTS results will be submitted to the Administration after validation by the PTSC. In accordance with the established practices, the Administration will take into account the PTIs derived from the PTS and other pertinent considerations, namely, the state of the economy of Hong Kong, the Government's fiscal position, changes in the cost of living, pay claims of the staff sides and civil service morale, before making decision on the specific rates of adjustments for civil service pay for 2007-2008.

The 2007 Pay Trend Survey was conducted based on an improved methodology as approved by the Chief Executive-in-Council. The improved methodology, which is the outcome of extensive consultation with the staff sides, encompasses the broadening of survey field to include both larger companies (employing 100 or more staff) and smaller companies (employing 50-99 staff), and the modification to the data consolidation method to complement the broadening of the survey field.

The survey results reflect the pay trend in 91 companies covering 144,901 employees over the 12-month period from April 2, 2006 to April 1, 2007. These companies comprise 72 larger companies (employing 100 or more staff) and 19 smaller companies (employing 50-99 staff). They are those regarded as typical employers in their respective fields, generally known as steady and good employers conducting salary administration on a rational and systematic basis.

The survey took into account adjustments to basic salary and additional payments for employees of the surveyed companies relating to cost of living, changes in market rates, company performance, merit and in-scale increment, in accordance with the improved survey methodology.

The PTSC is chaired by Professor the Hon Anthony Cheung Bing-leung, BBS, JP, who is a member of the Standing Commission on Civil Service Salaries and Conditions of Service. Professor Cheung wishes to express the PTSC's sincere appreciation of the co-operation and assistance rendered by the participating companies to the 2007 Pay Trend Survey.