If the promised payday keeps moving, separate what was due, what was paid, and what remains outstanding for each period.
Evidence to keep
Before you start
Wages, commission, allowances, and overtime depend on statutory rights and employment terms. Employee and contractor routes differ, and a 'self-employed' label alone does not settle status. Late wages may also breach statutory payment requirements.
What to do, step by step
- Calculate arrears by pay period and separate salary, commission, and other items.
- Request payment and an explanation in writing and retain the reply.
- Contact Labour Relations Division with employer details and evidence.
- If unresolved, follow guidance on the Labour Tribunal or another appropriate procedure and track deadlines.
Costs, timing, and things to check
Do not sign a full-and-final receipt without understanding it. Check which payments a settlement covers.
If the employer closes or cannot pay, ask about insolvency-related wage protection; coverage is not automatic for every debt.
Itemise arrears and take evidence to the relevant service.
Official information and enquiries
These are the reference and service entry points for this guide. Check current fees, eligibility, and schedules with the authority. The preparation date is not each source's official update date.
- Labour Department: guide to the Employment Ordinance
- Labour Department: severance and long service payment
Employment Ordinance (Cap. 57)
This is general information; an individual dispute depends on the facts, documents, and current law.