Financial Secretary Paul Chan said the government will conduct the Pay Trend Survey to help determine civil service pay for the 2026-27 financial year.

Last year, Chan used his budget speech to announce a pay freeze for government workers to help balance the administration's books.

The finance chief said on Wednesday the Pay Trend Survey will make a comeback this year, with a decision put back in the hands of the Executive Council.

"Regarding the 2026‑27 civil service pay adjustment, the government will conduct the Pay Trend Survey in accordance with the established mechanism," Chan said.

"The Chief Executive‑in‑Council will then make a decision having due regard to the six factors."

These are net pay trend indicators, the state of the economy, cost of living changes, staff pay claims, civil service morale and the government's fiscal position.

The minister also noted that an ongoing two percent annual reduction in the civil service establishment means a total of 10,000 government posts will be slashed during this term of government.



Edited by Edmond Fong