The Social Welfare Department (SWD) announced today (Nov. 22) that after the Employment Support Services (EmSS) for Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) applicants concludes in September next year, it will implement a two-year pilot Support Program for Unemployed Persons in collaboration with non-governmental organizations and other entities to replace the former one.
The new program stipulates that unemployed individuals aged 15 to 59 must participate in one hour of unpaid work each week, arranged by the operating organization, until they find paid employment or return to mainstream education.
During a committee meeting held in the Legislative Council today, several LegCo members expressed concerns about how unpaid work would assist participants in re-entering the workforce.
LegCo member Doreen Kong Yuk-foon questioned whether unpaid work was essentially asking participants to volunteer which may affect their dignity, and suggested providing allowances as an incentive.
Ho Kai-ming, Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare, responded that participants are individuals receiving CSSA, who have resources to meet basic living conditions. They also receive allowances for participating in courses related to employment offered by the Employee Retraining Board or the Labour Department. If applicants have surplus funds after enrolling in courses and do not exceed CSSA requirements, they can use those funds for personal savings, meaning it is not entirely unpaid.
He expressed hope that applicants would actively seek employment and questioned whether additional allowances should be provided.
Ho further stated that as of the end of September, the Employment Support Service had helped approximately 22% and 17% of applicants find work for one month and three months, respectively, or return to mainstream education. Additionally, among unemployed CSSA recipients, about half are individuals aged 50 to 59 with lower educational and skill levels, leading to weaker employment capabilities.
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