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EOC Welcomes District Court Ruling

23/12/2005

The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) welcomes the judgment delivered in the District Court today (23 December 2005), which ruled in favour of an employee, a secretary, who was subjected to unlawful discrimination on the ground of her pregnancy and family status.

The employee in this case was a competent and popular employee. But she did not have a smooth course of pregnancy. She had to spend much time in hospital before childbirth. Her employer dismissed her after childbirth because they thought that she should spend time to rest and look after her child instead of working.

Chairperson of the EOC, Mr. Raymond TANG said, "Today's court decision again underlines the importance to the community of the principle of equal work opportunities for women. It is wrongful for employers to dismiss employees because of adverse circumstances arising from pregnancy. It is a strong message to employers, and they should be mindful that employees are entitled to protection under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance and the Family Status Discrimination Ordinance."

Enquiry: Ms. Mariana LAW 21062226

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