New helper holiday

doe eyes

Registered User
Hi,
My helper is starting from tomorrow. I wanted to know whether she is entitled to the holidays in the first three months. I have heard that the statutory holidays are like unpaid holidays for them. What about the public holidays? It would be great if someone could help me with this..with the Easter holidays being just around the corner.
 
Here is a list of statutory holidays. Easter is not on the list, but Ching Ming on Wednesday is. Helpers are not entitled to holidays for the first 3 months, however I think most employers do tend to give it.

the first day of January
Lunar New Year's Day
the second day of Lunar New Year
the third day of Lunar New Year
Ching Ming Festival
Labour Day, being the first day of May
Tuen Ng Festival
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day, being the first day of July
the day following the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival
Chung Yeung Festival
National Day, being the first day of October
Chinese Winter Solstice Festival or Christmas Day (at the option of the employer)

http://www.labour.gov.hk/eng/faq/cap57f_whole.htm


FAQ on Statutory holidays here

http://www.1823.gov.hk/eng/FAQ/012015/index.shtm
 
Plus if she is Filipina, she is probably catholic and Easter is a big thing to them. I always gave my helper the Easter weekend off, Friday and Monday.
 
Your helper is entitled to the day off on the statutory holidays but if she has worked for you less than 3 months, they are unpaid. However, many employers do pay regardless, so it is really up to you if you want to pay or deduct.
 
In your case, she is entitled only to Ching Ming Festival and not the Easter public holidays.
Again, some employers also grant their helpers all the red public holidays on the calendar so it's really your choice.

If you require her to work on a Statutory holiday, then you need to give 2 days notice and arrange a day off in lieu.
 
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