Studies on paternity leave to be conducted

A study on paternity leave is underway, announces Secretary for Labour & Welfare Matthew Cheung.

In a media presentation about labour and welfare initiatives proposed in the 2011-2012 Policy Address, he said the Labour Advisory Board and the Legislative Council’s Manpower Panel would be consulted when the study’s preliminary outcome is ready.
 
The eligibility criteria and other practical implementation issues will be examined and actual circumstances of Hong Kong taken into account.
 
Mr Cheung stated that the impact on small and medium enterprises would be taken into consideration when formulating the policy.
 
He added that another study, on standard working hours, is also underway. The Labour Department is taking reference from overseas experience and compiling data on different types of work.
 
The report would be ready in mid-2012 and would provide a solid foundation for discussion in the community, he stressed.