Hong Kong lawmakers overwhelmingly endorsed changes to labor laws that lower the threshold for part-time or contract employees to qualify for proper benefits such as statutory holidays and paid sick leave.
The new so-called “468 rule” in the Employment (Amendment) Bill 2025 will take effect from the first Sunday six months after it is gazetted. It is expected to benefit an additional 11,400 employees in the city.
The bill passed with 84 votes in support and three against from legislators of the pro-business Liberal Party, including Peter Shiu Ka-fai, who expressed concerns that the new rule would affect the operations of small-and-medium enterprises.
Speaking at the Legislative Council today, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han reiterated that the bill aims to better align labor rules with market changes and enhance employee benefits.
He acknowledged current business challenges but emphasized that legal amendments are for long-term stability, and urged lawmakers to support the revision for Hong Kong’s overall benefit.
Currently, Hong Kong adopts the “418 rule,” meaning employees must work for the same employer continuously for four weeks, with at least 18 hours per week, to qualify for statutory holidays, paid sick leave, and other benefits.
Last year, the Labour Advisory Board, representing employees and employers, agreed to ease the threshold to “468,” allowing those who work 68 hours over four consecutive weeks to qualify for benefits.
(Jamie Liu)
