BACKGROUND NOTE
PAID MATERNITY LEAVE
1. In December 1978 the Hong Kong Government set up an Inter-depart-
mental Working Group to study the question of maternity benefits for
employed women in Hong Kong. The Working Group submitted its report
in October 1979 and recommended a number of improvements in the
existing provisions, the main proposal being an entitlement to ten
weeks leave at 2/3 pay after 26 weeks (later changed to 40 weeks)
continuous employment before the commencement of maternity leave.
2. The report was then circulated to the relevant trade unions,
employers' associations and other interested parties. Reaction was on
the whole very favourable.
3.
On 10 March an amendment to the Employment Ordinance, incorporating
these proposals, was approved by the Executive Council. The amendment
will now be introduced into the Legislative Council on 8 April.
4. Female Civil Servants are not covered by the Employment Ordinance,
but by Civil Service Regulations. Maternity benefits for female Civil
Servants are now being reviewed in the light of the proposed amendment
to the Ordinance.
Hong Kong and General Department 24 March 1981