Statutory Paternity Leave Legislation

At the end of last year, the Legislative Council passed the long-awaited Employment Amendment Bill 2014, granting three days' paid paternity leave to eligible employees. From 27 February 2015, male employees in the private sector are entitled to enjoy three days' paternity leave at 80% of their average daily wage.

The legislation was recommended by the Labour Advisory Board, a non-statutory body that advises on labour matters, comprising both employer and employee representatives. Lawmakers previously proposed that the period of paternity leave should be increased to seven days with full pay. However, this proposal was rejected by the Legislative Council.

What do the paternity leave provisions say?