Judges and colleagues get pay rise
Judges and judicial officers are to see their pay increase by 2.5 percent, the government confirmed on Wednesday. The Executive Council approved the increase, which will be backdated to April 1, accepting the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Judicial Salaries and Conditions of Service chaired by Wong Yuk-shan.  A government spokesman said the recommendation had taken into account factors including judges’ workload, recruitment and retention in the judiciary, unique features of the judicial service such as the security of tenure, the prestigious status and high esteem of judicial offices, and a prohibition against their return to private practice in Hong Kong.  The cost of living and general economic situation in the SAR, as well as pay trends in both government and private sectors, were also referenced.  The government will seek the approval of the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council on the proposed pay adjustment. In July, lawmakers approved a 2.5 percent pay increase for civil servants.