Q&A for the Policy of Extending Employment Beyond Retirement
Is the policy of extending employment only applicable to medical and nursing staff?
The new policy is mainly targeted at frontline clinical professionals. It also covers frontline supporting staff filling existing PCA, OpA, EA vacancies, as well as other staff depending on availability of suitable positions. HA will simplify the screening procedures as far as possible. To ensure no promotion blockage, supernumerary posts will be created for clinical professionals in promotion ranks if needed.
I have other plans after retirement. Do I have to work until 65 if I would like to continue to stay in the HA?
The new policy features a great flexibility, allowing staff to decide the timing and the duration of the further employment which will be up to age 65. They may also be engaged in part-time employment.
Will the retirement benefits of the staff be affected after further employment?
The prevailing retirement benefits enjoyed by the staff will remain unchanged after accepting further employment. Staff will be entitled to various benefits according to the terms and conditions of the new contract under further employment after a clear break of service, such as contract gratuity.
What are the differences between the new policy and the previous arrangement of Re-employment after Retirement?
Under the new policy, the HA will engage the retiring staff as early as at age 55 to allow sufficient time for retirement planning. The recruitment and selection process will be replaced by a simplified screening mechanism. Staff will no longer need to submit an application for further employment.
Will the policy of extending employment affect the promotion of other staff?
The new policy will not affect the promotion of the serving staff. Supernumerary posts in clinical promotional ranks will be created for staff upon further employment if needed. Staff will mainly focus on clinical duties after further employment, with a view to safeguarding manpower and relieving work pressure of frontline staff.
HA Chairman: Staff is the most cherished asset
“Staff is the most valuable asset of the HA”, describes by Mr Henry Fan, HA Chairman. He hopes the new measures could help alleviate manpower issues and soothe the work pressure of frontline staff. To attract more colleagues to serve in the public sector, Henry says the HA will continue to explore other feasible enhancement measures, such as enhancing staff benefits and trainings.