Q Should the government legislate to introduce paternity incentives?
Isn't it about time that everyone, including employers and the government, got serious about maternity and paternity leave?
Nurturing a baby requires time, money and commitment. Thirty years ago, I had 10 weeks of maternity leave on full pay when I had my daughter in the UK, with the option of taking unpaid leave.
Hong Kong mums are entitled to 10 weeks of maternity leave at four-fifths of their salary. They are not entitled to take unpaid leave to extend their maternity leave period unless the employer allows it. Whether you are breastfeeding or using formula for your baby, it is recommended that you do not introduce solids until the baby is six months old; so where does that leave a lactating mother? She has to express her milk, put her baby onto formula during the day, and still get up for feeds during the night. She must be exhausted!
Dad only has to look after mum and baby. If we are going to change anything, let's prioritise and give new mums six months' leave, preferably paid, with the option of taking a year's leave without fearing for their jobs. I am aware that this can cause problems for small businesses, but I think it would be worth it for our children to be healthy and contented and for our mums to be free of stress from work for the first few very important months of a child's life. Then we can start thinking about paternity leave!
Gill Wright, Shouson Hill