The Government announced on 1 June 2011 that the minumum allowable wage (MAW) for foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong will be increased by HK $ 160 (or 4.5%) from HK $ 3,580 to HK $ 3, 740 per month. Apart from this, the food allowance in lieu of free food for FDH will also be increased by HK $ 25 from not less than HK $ 750 to not less than HK $ 775 per month. The new levels of MAW and food allwances will apply to all contracts signed on or after 2 June 2011. A government spokeman said, "The Government regularly reviews the MAW for FDHs adn has decided to increase the MAW level this year. The reviews takes into account Hong Kong's general economic and employment situation, as reflected through a basket of economic indicators including the relevant of income movement, price change and labour market situation.