Singapore to announce details of expanded childcare leave in early 2027
In Singapore, a working group on marriage and parenthood will present details of the expanded childcare leave programme in early 2027. Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and chair of the working group, said this in parliament on 10 September, Channel NewsAsia reports.
According to Rajah, legislative amendments are needed to implement the changes. The government is working on mechanisms for implementing the programme together with employers and tripartite partners. Companies also need time to consider the impact of the new rules on work processes.
Up to 12 days for each parent
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong previously announced that each parent will be able to receive up to 12 days of childcare leave. Under the new scheme, each parent will receive eight days if they have one child, 10 days for two children and 12 days for three or more children.
Currently, parents have six days of such leave per year if their child is six years old or younger, or two days per year if the child is between seven and 12 years old. The government will reimburse employers for the full duration of all child-related leave within the established limit.
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Support for employers
According to Rajah, employers will be able to use the increased government reimbursement, among other things, to hire temporary staff or incentivise employees who take on additional duties from colleagues. The authorities are also studying ways to help companies replace employees who are on leave.
Among possible solutions, Rajah named reviewing work organisation, flexible work arrangements, short-term replacement, as well as automation and the use of artificial intelligence where appropriate. The government plans to develop practical solutions for different sectors in cooperation with trade associations, chambers and tripartite partners.
Rajah added that changes in workplace culture should benefit not only parents. As the population ages, employees increasingly need time to care for elderly parents, so workplaces must become more flexible.
