Household Helpers Struggle For Work Amid Outbreak

Household helpers and post-natal care assistants are worried about their future as their working hours have plummeted during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a survey by the Hong Kong Domestic Workers General Union.

The union asked more than 150 people about their total working hours compared to before the health crisis began.

The helpers polled reported that their average working hours were down by 67 per cent from December.

One household helper, surnamed Lee, said some employers had told her that she may only be needed after the outbreak is over.

She added that there were also employers who cancelled her appointments at the last minute.

The union urged the government to give local household helpers and post-natal carers HK$7,500 each, as well as unemployment subsidies for those who lost their jobs because of the outbreak.