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SOSC 103D Social Inequality in HK. Lecture 12: Poor People in HK. Who are the poor people in HK?. Unemployed people: Aged people , Single parents, and Those who suffer from chronic illness The working poor Unskilled labour, Contract workers What are their living conditions in HK?
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SOSC 103DSocial Inequality in HK Lecture 12: Poor People in HK
Who are the poor people in HK? • Unemployed people: • Aged people, Single parents, and Those who suffer from chronic illness • The working poor • Unskilled labour, Contract workers • What are their living conditions in HK? • How are they being protected by the social welfare/ social security system? • Public and social attitudes towards them? L12: 18.10.06
The working poor • Long working hours • security guide: 12 hours/ day • cleansing workers: 10.2 hours/ day • Low income • Cleansing workers: $3,600/ month ($12-15/ hour) • Contracted-out workers • E.g. work in public toilets (<$3,500 VS $5,300-$5,900) L12: 18.10.06
The contracted-out workers • Short-term employment • 6 months, 1 months, 1 week, 1 day/ 1 night • Intensive and heavy workload • Lack of legal protection • Wage reduction • Holidays • MPF • Insurance L12: 18.10.06
Common characteristics • Low education and limited skills • Weak social network • Unstable and low household income • Lack of bargaining power • In terms of income and other benefits • Choice between keeping the low income job or applying for social assistance L12: 18.10.06
Alternative? • CSSA (Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme) • Assets limits (cash, savings, investments, real properties, and other realizable assets): L12: 18.10.06
CSSA • Standard Rate (for family) E.g. 1400+1150+1280+1280 = $5,110/month L12: 18.10.06
Role of Government • Social welfare? • Limit the number of outsourcing in governmental projects and services? • Better implementation of the laws and policies? • Legislating other protective laws for labour? L12: 18.10.06