A female graduate quit her new job on her first day with a company in Kunming because the company demanded new female staff take pregnancy tests, the Shenhuo xinbao reported.

The graduate, together with two other new female employees, was told to go for pregnancy test at a hospital after having their personal files transferred to the company

Feeling angry and embarrassed, the three went to the human resources manager, who said their refusal to take the test indicated that they were pregnant and told them they would need to have abortions to keep their jobs.

The girls insisted that pregnancy test should be imposed according to age, while the company justified the test by saying that pregnant women are unable to concentrate on work, and therefore the company's prospects would be affected.

A local lawyer said asking for a pregnancy test based on unclear reasons infringes on women's labor rights under the Labour Law that forbids gender discrimination in hiring practices.

The local labor and social security authorities, however, said the company didn't violate the law because it had not signed a contract with the three girls.

The company is not alone. A local obstetric hospital revealed that four out of ten companies that order physical check-ups at the hospital ask for pregnancy tests.