Oral Answer to PQ on mandatory caregiving leave for private sector companies

NOTICE PAPER NO. 2019 OF 2023 FOR THE SITTING ON OR AFTER 04 JULY 2023
QUESTION NO. 4775 FOR ORAL ANSWER

MP: Mr Leon Perera

To ask the Minister for Manpower whether the Government will consider introducing mandatory caregiving leave for private sector companies.

Answer:

1. The Government works closely with tripartite partners to provide a wide range of support for caregivers, who manage both caregiving and work responsibilities. All employers are required by law to provide paid maternity and paternity leave, as well as childcare and unpaid infant care leave to support the caregiving needs of employees with children. In addition, some employers have voluntarily provided other types of paid leave such as Parental Care leave and Family Care leave, to support employees with other caregiving needs, such as caring for elderly or disabled family members. Tripartite Partners also actively encourage employers to adopt best practices such as providing enhanced leave benefits through the Tripartite Standard on Unpaid Leave for Unexpected Care Needs and Tripartite Standard on Work-Life Harmony.

2. We recognise that caregiving needs are diverse, the range of caregiving responsibilities and methods of caregiving continue to vary and evolve. We will study and continue to review how to better support working caregivers, bringing alongside with us the private sector companies and working closely with our tripartite partners. A more sustainable and flexible form of workplace support is flexible work arrangements (FWAs), which allow caregivers to vary their work timing, location, and workload to suit their personal circumstances. Tripartite Partners will continue to encourage and equip employers to provide FWAs to
support their employees in managing both their work and caregiving responsibilities.

3. The Government will also continue to review and strengthen other support for working caregivers. This includes enhancing the caregiving support infrastructure, financial support and fostering a more family-friendly culture