j$k5709247j$kTermination of Employment Contract for Domestic Helpers: What You Need to Know Hiring a domestic helper can be a big decision for any family. It`s essential to ensure that you hire the right person to ensure that your home runs smoothly and efficiently. However, sometimes things don`t work out as planned, and you may need to terminate the employment contract of your domestic helper. In this article, we`ll discuss the termination of employment contract for domestic helpers and what you need to know. Grounds for Termination Before you terminate your domestic helper`s employment contract, you need to ensure that you have the legal grounds to do so. The following are some of the common grounds for termination: 1. Misconduct or disobedience of the employer`s lawful and reasonable orders. 2. Willful disobedience of lawful and reasonable employer orders. 3. Gross insubordination. 4. Theft or serious breach of trust. 5. Habitual neglect of duties. 6. Commission of a crime or offence. 7. Inadequate job performance. 8. Failure to comply with statutory requirements. Notice of Termination Once you decide to terminate your domestic helper`s employment contract, you need to provide them with adequate notice. Under Hong Kong law, domestic helpers are entitled to a minimum of one month`s notice before termination. Alternatively, you can provide payment in lieu of notice. This means that you pay your domestic helper for the notice period instead of asking them to work during that time. Severance Payment In addition to notice of termination, domestic helpers are also entitled to severance payments if they have been employed for more than 24 months. The amount of severance payment is calculated based on the duration of employment and the wages of the domestic helper. For example, if your domestic helper has been employed for three years and earns a monthly salary of HKD 4,500, they will be entitled to a severance payment of HKD 13,500. The Process of Termination When terminating the employment contract of your domestic helper, it`s essential to follow the correct process. This includes providing them with a written notice of termination, making the necessary severance payments, and returning any personal belongings. It`s also important to note that domestic helpers are entitled to a certificate of employment upon termination. This certificate should include the duration of employment, job title, and details of any termination. Conclusion Terminating the employment contract of your domestic helper can be a difficult decision to make. However, if you follow the correct process and provide them with adequate notice and severance payments, you can ensure that the process is as smooth as possible. As an employer, it`s essential to understand your legal obligations towards your domestic helpers, including their entitlement to notice of termination and severance payments. By doing so, you can ensure that you maintain a positive relationship with your domestic helper, even if the employment contract must come to an end.