Hong Kong telecoms company HKT apologised after a Valentine's Day deal it sent to HSBC staff - offering discounted laptops "for him" but vacuum cleaners and kitchen appliances "for her" - angered employees over its sexist implications. The multi-page advertisement, described as an "HSBC staff offer", was produced and sent to employees of the bank this week by HKT, a telecommunications company owned by Hong Kong conglomerate PCCW. HSBC staff in Hong Kong and London sharply criticised the offer, according to a source who shared images of it with Reuters, at a time when the bank is battling to reduce a gender pay disparity that is the worst among big British firms. "We have heard the feedback and offer our heartfelt apologies for any offence caused," a spokesperson for HKT said on Friday. "We firmly believe in gender equality in both the workplace and in life, and we are committed to ensuring that we, and our business partners, exercise prudence, respect and inclusion for all." On page...
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