Hong Kong vs United Kingdom | Statutory Maternity Leave 2026
A practical comparison of statutory maternity leave, maternity pay and employer checks in Hong Kong and the United Kingdom.
Hong Kong provides 14 weeks of statutory maternity leave, paid at 4/5 of average daily wages. The UK provides up to 52 weeks of statutory maternity leave, with up to 39 weeks paid: 90% of average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, followed by a statutory flat rate. Compare both leave length and paid weeks.
Hong Kong
Eligible employees in Hong Kong may take 14 weeks of statutory maternity leave. Maternity leave pay is generally calculated at 4/5 of average daily wages; eligibility, notice and any applicable cap should be confirmed against the latest Labour Department guidance and the individual case.
United Kingdom
The UK provides up to 52 weeks of statutory maternity leave. Eligible employees may receive Statutory Maternity Pay for up to 39 weeks: 90% of average weekly earnings for the first 6 weeks, followed by a statutory flat rate. The latest weekly cap is marked pending confirmation.
What to check
The UK entitlement of 52 weeks is a leave entitlement, not 52 weeks of paid leave. Hong Kong centres on 14 weeks and pay at 4/5 of average daily wages. Employers should separately check eligibility, notice, maternity pay, return-to-work arrangements and other family-friendly leave rights.
Practical reminder for employers and jobseekers
When arranging recruitment, part-time work or cross-border staffing, employers should confirm the employment jurisdiction, contract, maternity-leave eligibility, notice requirements and pay calculation. Jobseekers and expectant mothers should compare paid weeks and actual pay, not leave length alone.
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Pending confirmation: the last amendment date of the legislation and the latest weekly cap for UK statutory maternity pay. General information only; this article is not legal advice. Employment agency licence no. 82734.