1. Are employers required to pay year-end double pay or bonuses to employees?

There is no legal requirement under the Employment Ordinance for employers to pay end of year payments, including bonuses and double pay. End of year payments should be agreed upon between an employer and an employee. If such a payment is included in the terms of employment, then the employer is contractually bound to pay an end of year payment. End of year payments do not include payments that are of a gratuitous nature or are payable at the discretion of the employer.