How to agree a start date for a new Hong Kong job
Account for notice, handover and personal commitments before agreeing a date.
Review your existing commitments
Check the notice period in your current contract, planned leave and handover. For previously scheduled statutory annual leave during a resignation notice period, check the Labour Department’s explanation of the law and court judgment and your circumstances. Clarify the arrangements for other untaken leave too.
Offer a workable date
Explain to the new employer that you need to complete formal notice and a handover, then offer a date you can meet. If they want an earlier start, you can discuss shortening the notice period with your current employer. The law also provides for termination with payment in lieu in applicable circumstances. Check the amount, applicable rules and contractual implications first.
Confirm in writing
Review the full offer, including role, pay, conditions and start date, and keep both parties’ confirmation. If the date needs to change, contact the new employer early and obtain updated written confirmation.