National Day: Thursday 1st October.

Mid Autumn Festival Holiday is on Saturday 3 October

Chung Yueng Festival: Monday 26 October.

Our Group General Manager, Callan Anderson recently visited our network of JM Gemini offices in China.

Guangzhou

The Guangzhou office is our nerve centre for recruitment in Southern China including Shenzhen, and works in tandem with colleagues in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing.

Shanghai

For information about recruitment of staff in China please contact callan@gemini.com.hk or anthonya@jmgemini.com.

Businesses should prepare for staff absence rates of up to 50% for periods of between two and four weeks this autumn and winter in their contingency planning arrangements for the expected second wave of swine flu as schools return from the summer – a factor which some health experts believe could help trigger the expected second wave of swine flu. Already in Hong Kong schools are being suspended for 7 days whenever a number of students are reported with "flu like symptoms".

In the event of a widely predicted second and more serious wave of swine flu, many businesses will see a significant increase in absence rates beyond those enforced through illness alone, with possible widespread closures of school and childcare facilities.

Gemini offers a solution to the disruption caused by staff absences. We can provide short term cover by assigning temporary staff to stand in for those on sick leave, or caring for sick children. This is particularly helpful for filling posts that must be manned. Alternatively temporary staff can cover for an employee who you temporarily assign to a stand in role.

For quick service call our Temp Hotline 3552 9159 or e-mail temp@gemini.com.hk

Gemini's experienced consultants deliver a fast and efficient service offering solutions to short term staffing needs. We can provide staff able to start on the day we are called.

• Available Workforce

• Solutions to headcount budget problems

• Strictly interviewed and assessed candidates

• Extensive and well maintained computerised candidate database

• Special rates available for longer-term assignments

Did you know that Gemini also manages payroll and administration? We are able to advise on your company's compensation practices, including competitiveness of employees' compensation and pay-mix.

If you are uncertain of the benefits that Gemini's temporary staffing solutions can offer. Please contact out Temp Hotline 3552 9159 or e-mail temp@gemini.com.hk

Research shows that the majority of employers have no or weak plans to deal with a swine flu pandemic. There is a real danger that senior management teams ignore the threat to their business posed by a second and more serious wave of swine flu after seeing the first wave subside much more quickly than anticipated

Businesses are warned to take the following steps:

• Prioritise essential activities;

• Provide cross training of staff in critical areas so employees have the skills to fill in for absent colleagues;

• Consider remote working to prevent spread of infection;

• Consider reducing human contact for those with key skills;

• Consider increasing customer self-service options such as telephone and online transactions;

• Keep on top of government advice and adapt plans to reflect changes;

• Communicate plans with staff, customers and suppliers;

• Follow public health agency advice on efficient ways to contain the virus;

• Provide a safe workplace by implementing rules on health reporting, office and personal hygiene, protective equipment, social distancing and working hours.

In swine flu causes you a short term staffing headache, don't forget to contact Gemini's Temporary and Contract team for short term staff cover.

For further information, please contact Diya at diya@gemini.com.hk or call 3552 9158.

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