In the past months, Hong Kong granted 14-week maternity leave for pregnant women in preparation for their motherhood. However, it seems like employers are affected by this grant. The news suggests that the salaries of the pregnant women aren't just the problem. The workforce of an entity is also affected by this decision. How could the government make up for the businessmen's loss? How will they do it?
Maternity Leave in Hong Kong: Who Qualifies For The Leave?
It is said that not all women are qualified for the 14-week leave. For a pregnant woman to be granted one, she must be employed on a continuous contract for at least 40 weeks. Those who are qualified will get to decide when they would leave, just as long as it is two to four weeks before their expected delivery.
This maternity leave could affect not just the mother's health, but also the child's welfare. Studies show that women would have more time in taking care of their infant, without depriving them of their growth as career women. This grant is also evident in other countries, such as New Zealand. While in Singapore, women get to enjoy a 16-week maternity leave from their work, to focus on their child and their welfare as well.
Employers Affected By 14-Week Maternity Leave
Other than the mothers and the children, employers of pregnant women are also affected by this grant. Government officials already took their time to study its effect. And just recently, the news told that Hong Kong bosses might be granted a subsidy to alleviate the cost of the leave grant.
This study is expected to last up until the end of the year, expecting that the current entitlement would be 80 percent pay. Secretary for Labour and Welfare Law Chi-kwong is also looking at the possibility for the government to pay a part of the cost for the additional days.
With this study, the government knows that the cost of the 14-week maternity leave is still way more significant as an entity's manpower should also be taken into consideration. It is said that small and medium enterprise would be the group which is largely affected by the change. Other officials are also making their study on how to balance this grant, without depriving women and employers of their right as mothers and business owners respectively. There are also factors that are being considered in making changes in the law.
