Women at Chinese company 'must tell managers if they plan to get pregnant'
Unnamed business has introduced 'fertility schedule' following lifting of China's one-child policy
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Female staff at a business in China are reportedly having to notify managers of their intention to get pregnant, a year in advance of trying to conceive.
The unnamed business, in Changchun City, Jilin Province, is said to have introduced the ‘fertility schedule’ following the lifting of the country’s one-child policy and the anticipated baby boom as a result of the change in law.
Under the rules, women are apparently required to apply for permission to have children 12 months before they intend to start trying.
According to reports by state media, company managers believe the measures will allow them to draw up a timetable for maternity leave and prevent under staffing.
A manager known only as Mr Zhang said: "Our department has a total of six women workers. There are three already pregnant.”
The economic downturn had also made it “impossible” to hire maternity cover, he added.
China is expected to welcome as many as eight million extra new babies each year following the lifting of the one-child policy on January 1 after more than 30 years.
The introduction of the new two-child policy is set to herald a new era of siblings in China – but has apparently left many Chinese businesses worried.
Several companies have reportedly introduced ‘unwritten rules’ on maternity leave since the one-child policy was scrapped, Business Standard reported.
Liu Qian, a 31-year-old bank teller, said she applied to her company to have a second child but was told she would have to wait until 2018.
"According to the unwritten rules of our bank, those who want to have a second child must give way to those having a first child," she said.
"I am allowed to have a second child in 2018, according to our bank's rules.
"If I can't get pregnant within half a year, then I have to wait for the next round."
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments