Labour Department receives 670 help requests from former Physical Fitness employees

Chris Sun Yuk-han, Secretary for Labour and Welfare, has urged former employees of the now-closed fitness and beauty center chain “Physical Fitness” to apply to the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund (PWIF) to recover their unpaid wages. He also cautioned them to be vigilant before joining any rebranded versions of the company.

Sun revealed that the Labour Department had received 670 requests for assistance from employees, primarily concerning the recovery of unpaid wages and severance pay.

Affected employees are encouraged to apply to the PWIF for the payment of unpaid wages, arrears of holiday pay, payment in lieu of notice, and severance pay from their employer.

Sun explained that if the employer signs a letter of insolvency, the Insolvency Fund can quickly release the funds.

However, if the employer refuses to sign, the process could be prolonged and might require intervention from the labor tribunal. Although this route takes longer, employees will eventually receive the money they are owed.

Furthermore, Sun noted that the Wan Chai branch of “Physical Fitness” has reopened under a new brand.

He advised former employees considering rejoining the company under its new management to carefully read the contract terms and understand how the former employer’s salary and severance pay arrears will be handled.