Top UK recruiters with offices in Hong Kong have been forced to let hundreds of staff work from home after anti-China protests rocked the city.
Job agencies Robert Walters and PageGroup, who recruit for large global banks and financial institutions in the region, have introduced flexible arrangements for workers after unrest made getting to work more difficult.
Mass protests against Chinese-backed government officials have forced airports and rail stations to shut in recent weeks and led to violent clashes.
PageGroup, which employs 175 people in Hong Kong, has cancelled air travel for staff and temporarily shut offices on protest days.
Regional managing director Anthony Thompson said the physical and emotional well being of staff was “of paramount importance”.
Staff have also been offered counselling services.
Robert Walters Hong Kong managing director Ricky Mu also said the unrest had caused a slowdown in hiring and hurt business confidence in Hong Kong.
“We believe the current protests will continue to have an impact on Hong Kong’s economy until this matter is resolved,“ he said.
”From a staff perspective we are creating a safe environment for employees, and also offering flexible working arrangements due to travel disruption across Hong Kong.“
Both firms have offices in the heart of Hong Kong’s central business district, the scene of some of the more violent clashes.
