2,000 jobs at risk as leading Hong Kong security firm confirms impending closure
A leading security firm in Hong Kong chaired by a retired senior police officer will cease operations before next April, with more than 2,000 employees expected to be laid off.
CNT Security Company attributed the decision to a recent board resolution. The news emerged after the company informed the landlords of Allway Gardens, a residential estate in Tsuen Wan, that their request to extend its contract until December this year could not be fulfilled.
The letter, dated June 20, was signed by the company's general manager, Mario Wu.
Chiu Yan-loy, a former Tsuen Wan district council member and now secretary of the Allway Gardens owners' corporation, said residents were surprised.
'Residents were rather shocked when learning the news. We have been using the company's service for more than 10 years, and most residents are very happy with its service,' he said.
Chiu added that CNT Security had proposed increasing management fees following the recent rise in the minimum wage to HK$42.10 (US$5) per hour, an issue the owners' corporation planned to discuss at a later meeting.
'There has not been any sign of financial or manpower difficulty,' he added. 'But then came such news without warning.
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