Two of Hong Kong's biggest TV networks have announced that they are planning game shows in which participants compete to win jobs.

TV executives have said Asia Television Ltd's (ATV) show, Win A Job, will begin in late September, and will allow participants the chance to gain employment as tour guides, hairdressers or dim sum chefs.

Potential employers will be among the studio audience.

ATV's nearest rival, Television Broadcasts Ltd has said it is planning a similar show, although a spokeswoman said details were not yet available.

The format for the show is similar to a top-rated Argentinian game show Human Resources, which began on its Canal 13 network earlier this year.

The programme, which aims to help tackle the country's unemployment problem, is one of Argentina's most popular shows.

Hundreds of applicants apply for each job which is featured on the show. One hairdresser's job received applications from 400 hopefuls.

Unemployment is high in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong version will see contestants going through normal job-hunting procedures, including filling in application forms and attending interviews. They will also be seen trying out jobs.

Three finalists will appear on each show and viewers will be able to vote on who should get the job - although the employers will have the final say.

Interview tips and job postings will also be presented on the show.

The show has received criticism from some circles, with union leader Lee Cheuk-yan accusing the network of "making fun of the unemployed".

"This will not be a genuine job-matching show but an entertainment," he said.

However, a spokesman for ATV denied this.

"It's not a game," he said. "It is meant to send a positive message to the unemployed and act as a platform to help them find jobs."

Unemployment in Hong Kong is currently at a record 7.8%.