TNAG-1014-FCO40-1264-HM-Government-s-responsibility-for-internal-affairs-in-Hong--1981 — Page 13

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