Ask Andreas: My helper is pregnant, what should I do?

I’ve just discovered that my helper is pregnant. What are my legal obligations as an employer and how best can I help her?

Just like any other pregnant worker in Hong Kong, a pregnant helper may not be terminated. You are responsible for paying her salary and medical care until the end of her contract. Far too often, this leads to helpers milking the situation and not working very hard, but it doesn’t need to be so and it certainly depends on your helper’s attitude.

Have a good long talk with your helper about what she wants to do. Be fair but realistic. It may unfortunately often be simpler just to pay her to terminate the contract early. Note that many helper insurance policies specifically exclude health care for pregnancy. Nothing stops her from getting free public health care, however.

For the only guide you’ll ever need on working with a helper, check out Andreas’ fab book ‘Hiring and Managing Domestic Help’ and buy it here.