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Written Answer by Mr Lim Swee Say, Minister for Manpower, to Parliamentary Question on Minimum Compassionate Leave for Children and Grandchildren

Employment practices
Notice Paper No. 532 Of 2017 For The Sitting On 06 February 2017

Question No. 396 For Written Answer

MP: Ms Joan Pereira

To ask the Minister for Manpower whether the Ministry will consider mandating a minimum number of days of compassionate leave for children and grandchildren in view of the limited number of days of annual leave, particularly for those working in junior positions or lower paying jobs, smaller families and our rapidly ageing population.

Answer

  1. We recognise that employees need our support during the time of bereavement. Already more than 9 in 10 companies (92%) provide compassionate leave based on MOM’s survey in 2016. We will continue to work with our tripartite partners to encourage employers to voluntarily adopt such progressive workplace practices.
  2. The government has introduced several family leave enhancements over the last few years. We should allow time for businesses to adjust and adapt. At this stage, we have no plans to make it mandatory for all firms to provide specifically for compassionate leave for their employees.