HONG KONG – A community activist group is urging the government to offer more support for elderly job seekers, as they struggle to rejoin the workforce in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking on a local radio program, Sze Lai-shan, the deputy director of the Society for Community Organisation, highlighted the difficulties faced by those aged 65 and above in finding employment. Sze attributed this to the increasing digitalization of jobs and employer concerns over insurance costs.
“Because some of the employers, they cannot file insurance because it’s more expensive, or even they don’t provide this kind of item for elderly people,” Sze said. “And the other is about MPF (Mandatory Provident Fund), [it does] not include elderly [aged] above 65, that will be a problem.”
The post-pandemic recovery has also brought its own challenges, as Sze revealed that some workers in sectors like construction, catering, and retail are facing pay cuts of up to 40 percent.
Even for those eager to work and improve their living situations, Sze said many positions require them to work for at least 12 hours a day, which can be physically demanding for the elderly. The activist suggested that employers should find ways to shorten the shifts, and that the government should do more to assist elderly job seekers.
“For example, to negotiate with insurance companies, how to provide this kind of service for the elderly. And also their MPF policies, whether it can also extend to a higher age,” Sze said.
As the post-pandemic economy continues to evolve, the struggle for elderly job seekers highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to support this vulnerable population and ensure their inclusion in the workforce.