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CHAPTER 8

MARRIED FEMALE STAFF

Introduction

8.1

In our Report No. 1, we stated that representatives of female civil servants had urged that the principle of equal pay for men and women for equal work be extended to include eligibility for fringe benefits. In our Report No. 2 we indicated that we would consider the extension of fringe benefits to married women as part of a review of civil servants' conditions of service. However, in view of the fact that equal benefits can be considered in isolation from conditions of service generally, we have dealt with this issue separately.

8.2

To bring consideration of women's benefits within our Terms of Reference, the Staff Side of the Senior Civil Service Council has written to request this review, in accordance with our Term of Reference VI.

Background

8.3

Government pays male and female staff in the same ranks at the same rates. In addition, a wide range of benefits is provided for civil servants employed on pensionable and agreement terms. Apart from paid casual and vacation leave, these include the following:

8.4

(a)

(b)

(c)

Medical and dental treatment for staff and their families and hospitalisation at concessionary rates.

Quarters or housing allowances for staff engaged on overseas terms and for locally engaged staff eligible for them by virtue of seniority; a standard percentage deduction of salary is made for accommodation.

Paid maternity leave.

(d) School passage and education allowances for

dependent children in full time education in the United Kingdom or the officer's country of origin.

Education allowances for children educated in Hong Kong.

(e)

(f) The cost of leave passages for officers on overseas

terms and their families.

Unmarried, divorced or widowed female staff are eligible for the benefits described above. Married female

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