Man in China fired for taking frequent long toilet breaks, with one lasting 4 hours

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Mr Li had failed to notify the company about his medical condition or apply for sick leave in advance, as required by his employment contract.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: UNSPLASH

A man in China has been fired for taking frequent toilet breaks lasting more than an hour each time at work.

The man surnamed Li, who is from Jiangsu province, worked as an engineer in eastern China, and was fired from his position despite claiming that he suffered from haemorrhoids, reported the South China Morning Post.

Between April and May 2024, he reportedly took 14 toilet breaks, with the longest lasting four hours.

Mr Li took his former company to court for illegal termination of an employment contract, suing the company for 320,000 yuan (S$58,195) in compensation.

He submitted haemorrhoids medication that his partner had purchased online in May and June 2024, and his inpatient surgery records from January, to the court.

The company, meanwhile, submitted surveillance footage showing the frequency and duration of Mr Li’s toilet breaks.

The court found that the time Mr Li spent in the toilet “greatly exceeded” his physical needs. The medical records he provided were also found to have covered a period after he took the frequent toilet breaks.

Mr Li had also failed to notify the company about his medical condition or apply for sick leave in advance, as required by his employment contract.

Mr Li’s job required him to be contactable and respond to all work requests. However, when the company