Quick stats: Are Chinese firms favouring men following a new maternity leave policy?

More Chinese firms now favour hiring men following the release of a new policy that provides women longer paid maternity leave. Women are entitled to 98 days of maternity leave, according to the amended Employment Act 2022, seen by MARKETING-INTERACTIVE. 

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The data was found in a survey released by the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce (ACCCIM) today.

The survey indicates that the new maternity leave policy was a point of concern for Chinese business owners. According to media reports, the association told Malaysian press that they observe a shift to a higher male-to-female ratio (41.3%) to prevent the impact of a higher maternity leave. This could have a negative effect on women as they might feel discouraged from participating. This will also have a detrimental impact on gender equality.

Employers expressed their unhappiness when federal lawmakers raised paid maternity to 98 days from 60 days, because it would raise their operating expenditure significantly. 

The survey indicates that the increase in maternity leave was the top concern for employers, with 44.9% of respondents believing that it will have the biggest impact on costs. Following closely was 'overtime payment' at 42.9%, and coming in third was Employment Act extending its coverage to protect more workers and cutting working hours to a maximum of nine hours a day. These were the main things that companies felt would impact costs.

28% of respondents also felt that the reduction in working hours would affect expenditure while up to 80% said it would have an impact but that it was not too detrimental. 

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