Policy Address

Optimise the Re-employment Allowance Pilot Scheme

254. The LD launched the three-year Re-employment Allowance Pilot Scheme in July last year. The scheme has been well-received, with over 50 000 participants and more than 27 000 placements recorded as of August this year. The LD will continue to collect and collate information and data on the participants and placements of the scheme, conducting a mid-term review in the first quarter of next year, along with the Employment Programme for the Elderly and Middle-aged, to explore measures promoting silver employment.

Set the First Minimum Wage Rate According to the New Annual Review Mechanism

255. The Government has agreed to the new mechanism of adopting a formula for implementing the annual review of the Statutory Minimum Wage (SMW) rate proposed by the Minimum Wage Commission. The first SMW rate derived under the new mechanism is expected to take effect on 1 May 2026.