Job Protection
No Harmful Work
Pregnant workers (covered under the Maternity Benefits Ordinance, 1939 or the Shop and Office Employees Act, 1954) must not be employed in any such work that may be injurious to her or her child's health during the three months before the expected date of confinement. Similar prohibitions are enacted for employment in injurious work in three month after childbirth.
Source: §10(B) of the Maternity Benefits Ordinance, 1939; §18(D) of the Shop and Office Employees Act, 1954
Protection from Dismissals
In accordance with the Maternity Benefits Ordinance and the Shop and Office Employees Act, it is illegal for an employer to dismiss a female employee due to her pregnancy or any other reason connected with her pregnancy in all aspects of employment. So it could be ascertained that the employment of a worker is secure during pregnancy and maternity leave.
Source: §10 of Maternity Benefits Ordinance; §18(E) of Shop and Office Employees Act
Right to Return to Same Position
In accordance with the Maternity Benefits Ordinance and Shop and Office Employees Act, a woman cannot be served a notice of dismissal during her maternity leave. It gives workers the right to return to job, however, not necessarily to same position.
Source: §10 of the Maternity Benefits Ordinance; §18(E) of Shop and Office Employees Act
