Oxfam’s living wage for Hong Kong set to rise to HK$64 per hour from Oct

Oxfam Hong Kong is taking a significant step to address income inequality by raising its benchmark living wage to HK$64 per hour from October 1. This move, an increase from the current HK$62.8 per hour, reflects a commitment to ensuring that all workers in the city can afford a decent standard of living, covering not just basic necessities but also allowing for social participation, education, healthcare, and emergency savings.

The anti-poverty NGO's decision is grounded in a thorough analysis of Hong Kong's wage trends and the latest economic indicators, specifically the Composite Consumer Price Index. This data-driven approach underscores Oxfam's dedication to providing a realistic and achievable living wage. The organization is not only advocating for employers to adopt this higher standard but is also calling on the government to formalize its own Living Wage benchmark. Furthermore, Oxfam seeks to promote transparency by encouraging listed companies to report on whether they pay a living wage through their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) disclosures.

This initiative comes at a crucial time, as the Census and Statistics Department's latest report indicates that over 19% of Hong Kong's workforce, approximately 707,300 employees, earn less than the current living wage. These workers are predominantly in elementary positions and sectors such as services, sales, manufacturing, retail, and food and beverage. In contrast, Hong Kong's statutory minimum hourly wage is set to rise to HK$43.10 next month, a figure that remains substantially lower than the proposed living wage. Oxfam's continued efforts, including awarding a "Living Wage Employer Logo" to recognized employers, play a vital role in pushing for a more equitable economic landscape in Hong Kong.

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adopted this wage level to advocate for the Government and the corporate sector to pay a Living Wage. We also call on the Government to introduce its own Living Wage benchmark and encourage listed companies to disclose, through ESG reporting, whether they pay a Living Wage to their employees.