Shorter working days for pregnant women

Pregnant women will be able to work shorter hours each day at their normal pay, the government announced on Wednesday.

Starting this week, pregnant women who work for companies with more than 300 employees can leave two hours earlier each day for the first 12 weeks and after 36 weeks.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor said the shorter hours would help protect pregnant workers. The women will be paid the same as usual.

Companies that refuse to accept the policy will be fined up to 5,000,000 won (about $4750).

Workers who wish to leave early must provide describe specific dates and times and provide a doctor's note that they are pregnant.

For women working less than eight hours, a minimum of six working hours will still apply.

As for companies with less than 300 workers, the policy will go into effect on March 25, 2016.