With more community cases coming to light and new restrictions being placed, we’ve found ourselves spending even more time at home with our families. And with the unexpected school closures in the past year, parents have been pushed to the limit to balance both work-from-home and home-based learning.
With this in mind, MP Louis Ng has decided to raise a pertinent question: “How can parents possibly have enough childcare leave to take?”
In his Instagram post shared on Saturday (24 July), MP Louis Ng says he is gearing up to speak up about both childcare and parent care leave in Parliament next week.
MP Louis Ng: “Childcare Leave Is Already Insufficient During A Regular Year”
Image source: Instagram / louisngkokkwang
During his Parliamentary session, MP Louis Ng plans to discuss the importance of leaves, especially for working parents who are unable to work-from-home to look after their children.
“These leaves are especially critical for those who are unable to work from home. This includes those working in essential services who perform a duty for our nation, who keep us safe. We need to make sure they are looked after too,” he noted in his post.
The father of three has also previously spoken up about the 6 days given for childcare leave and infant care leave, terming it “insufficient” for working parents.
“All of us need more time with our loved ones, especially during this pandemic,” he added.
MP Louis Ng To Speak Up About Childcare Leave In Parliament
Image source: Instagram / louisngkokkwang
Aside from looking after children at home, MP Louis Ng also talked about how “most of us don’t have parent care leave. We also need time to look after our parents when they are unwell.”
He further added that he will speak up more about childcare sick leave and parent care leave for all Singaporeans in Parliament.
He writes, “The only option left is unpaid leave. Many have told me this is indeed what they are taking, but in this business climate, they worry they will lose their jobs if they take too much unpaid leave.”
In his post, he opened up the platform for parents to share their opinion on the subject. “Let me know your thoughts and I will help raise them in Parliament.” he wrote.
The Current Childcare Leave Available In Singapore
Image source: Stock
According to the Ministry of Manpower, eligible working parents in Singapore are currently entitled to 6 days of paid childcare leave per year.
You can be eligible for Government-Paid Childcare Leave (GPCL) if you meet the following requirements:
- Your child is below 7 years and is a Singapore citizen.
- If you’re an employee, you need to have served your employer for at least three continuous months.
- If you are self-employed, you need to “have been engaged in your work for at least three continuous months and have lost income during the childcare leave period.”
“You and your spouse each get 6 days per year of childcare leave until the year your child turns 7 years old, regardless of the number of children you have,” states the ministry.
With this, your childcare leave will be capped at 42 days for each parent. You will also need to consume your yearly childcare leave entitlement by the end of that year.
The current childcare leave is paid by the following:
- The first 3 days by your employer
- The remaining 3 days paid by the Government
- Payments are capped at $500 per day, including CPF contributions
Safe to say, all eyes will be on MP Louis Ng’s address next week.
Lead image source from Instagram / louisngkokkwang.
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