Laws amended to protect staff affected by Covid rules

Authorities on Friday gazetted amended employment laws which will require employers to grant paid sick leave to staff who are absent from work due to the government’s Covid-control measures, and make it illegal for them to dismiss these workers for this reason.

The amended legislation will also allow bosses to sack employees who, without sufficient medical reasons, refuse to receive Covid-19 vaccination.

Exemptions will however be granted to certain workers, including pregnant and lactating staff.

“The amendments will have a sunset clause, to be repealed when the pandemic is under control and vaccination is no longer a matter of public health concern,” the government said in a statement.

“With the severe impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on our society, it is necessary to strike a reasonable balance between implementing anti-epidemic measures to protect public health and preserving employees’ statutory rights and benefits.”

Officials said the Employment (Amendment) Bill 2022 will be submitted to the Legislative Council for scrutiny as soon as possible.