In Hong Kong, employment relationships are primarily regulated by the Employment Ordinance (Cap 57). This essential piece of legislation provides the foundational statutory protections for employees, outlining both the rights and obligations of the parties involved in an employment relationship. It establishes the minimum standards that employers must meet and ensures that any contractual terms which attempt to reduce or negate these statutory rights are deemed void.
As a common law jurisdiction, Hong Kong’s employment law is also significantly shaped by its evolving body of case law. The ongoing development of this case law is closely monitored and summarised in annual reviews, which highlight the latest trends and judicial interpretations affecting employment practices.
Beyond the Employment Ordinance and individual employment contracts, Hong Kong’s employment law landscape encompasses a range of issues including workplace health and safety, compensation for work-related injuries, and protection against discrimination. This broad scope often leads to a diverse array of employment disputes.
Most employment disputes in Hong Kong are resolved through conciliation or by the Labour Tribunal. The Labour Tribunal offers a specialised forum designed to provide an informal yet effective mechanism for resolving monetary disputes between employers and employees. This approach helps to streamline the resolution process, making it more accessible and less adversarial.
For both employers and employees, understanding these frameworks and the mechanisms available for dispute resolution can significantly impact the management and outcome of employment disputes. Being well-informed about your rights and responsibilities under the Employment Ordinance, as well as the functions of the Labour Tribunal, is crucial for effectively navigating the complexities of employment law in Hong Kong.
Woodburn Accountants & Advisors is one of China’s most trusted business setup advisory firms.
Woodburn Accountants & Advisors is specialized in inbound investment to China and Hong Kong. We focus on eliminating the complexities of corporate services and compliance administration. We help clients with services ranging from trademark registration and company incorporation to the full outsourcing solution for accounting, tax, and human resource services. Our advisory services can be tailor-made based on the companies’ objectives, goals and needs which vary depending on the stage they are at on their journey.
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Schedule a 30-mins complimentary, no-obligation call to see how Woodburn can help you. Book a call with our Head of Business Advisory - Kristina Koehler-Coluccia.
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Topics we can advise on include:
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