Hong Kong director sentenced to suspended imprisonment for failing to pay salary

A Hong Kong company director was sentenced to two and four weeks' suspended imprisonment after being convicted of salary offences. The sentence is suspended for two years.

The director received his sentence after he was prosecuted by the Labour Department for failing to pay wages in lieu of notice as well as defaulting on a sum awarded by the Labour Tribunal under the Employment Ordinance.

The company, Hong Kong International Tax Free Wholesale Limited, owed an employee about HK$6,800 in wages in lieu of notice, and an additional HK$14,600 as awarded to the employee by the Labour Tribunal. After failing to pay within the required seven and 14 days, respectively, the company's director was convicted for his involvement.

Commenting on the sentencing, a Labour Department spokesperson said: "The ruling helps disseminate a strong message to all employers and responsible officers of companies that they have to pay employees wages in lieu of notice within the time limit in accordance with the Employment Ordinance and Labour Tribunal awarded sums according to the terms of the awards issued by the Labour Tribunal."

"We do not tolerate the above offences and will continue to make dedicated efforts in enforcing the Employment Ordinance and safeguarding employees' statutory rights," the spokesman added.

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