{
  "id": 1623863,
  "title": "Permanent jobs not in bag for new postmen to cut costs",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/permanent-jobs-not-in-bag-for-new-postmen-to-cut-costs",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-18T03:24:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTHK News",
    "slug": "rthk-news",
    "url": "https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1866547-20260818.htm"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Hongkong Post plans to stop offering permanent jobs to new postmen and postal officers starting in September, as the organization seeks to cut costs, according to the head of the company. The new policy will see around 200 staff members, comprising about five percent of the total workforce, receive two-year civil service contracts instead of permanent positions when their probation ends. Postmaster General Leonia Tai made the announcement on a radio program, explaining that the move is part of a broader review aimed at reviving a money-losing operation. Tai noted that fewer people are sending letters, and this trend may worsen in the future, necessitating prudent human resource planning. She emphasized that current postmen and officers would retain their civil servant status and eligibility for civil service benefits, and had discussed the decision with affected staff and union representatives. Tai also stated that there are no plans to extend the contract-based arrangement to existing staff.",
  "summary": "A need to save on costs is the main reason behind a decision to stop offering permanent employment to postal staff completing their probation starting in September, the head of Hongkong Post said on Tuesday. Under the new policy, some 200 postmen and postal officers – about five percent of total staff – will instead be offered two-year civil service contracts when their probation ends. Speaking…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "RTHK English",
        "title": "Permanent jobs not in bag for new postmen to cut costs",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/permanent-jobs-not-in-bag-for-new-postmen-to-cut-costs-1624359",
        "published": "2026-08-18T03:24:58.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}