WE REFER to the letters, "Childcare leave should be made compulsory" (my paper, Sept 5), from Ms Evelynhung Felani Ricko, and "Bosses getting around new benefits" (my paper, Sept 9), from Ms Matilda Lee.

The Government has announced that from Aug 17, working parents will be entitled to six days of paid childcare leave per parent per year until the child turns seven.

Before the legislation takes effect in October, employers are encouraged to voluntarily grant the additional childcare leave to their employees. The Government will fund its share of the benefits if employers do so voluntarily.

After the legislation takes effect, it will be compulsory for employers to grant childcare leave.

Working parents will be entitled to three days of pro-rated childcare leave this year (between Aug 17 and Dec 31).

These three days will be employer- paid. Where employers are able to grant up to the full six days of childcare leave during this period, the Government will pay for the additional days of childcare leave taken, up to a maximum of three days.

From Jan 1 next year, the childcare-leave entitlement will be six days per year for eligible employees.

Working parents should be allowed to take paid childcare leave to take care of their children. Therefore, companies should not require a medical certificate or letter from a childcare centre.

Employers should also not reduce or hold back the employee's annual leave to make up for the extended childcare leave, as this would defeat the purpose of the new measure.

Nonetheless, as with all other forms of paid leave, both the employer and employee should discuss and mutually agree on a suitable time to take childcare leave.

We would like to invite Ms Ricko and Ms Lee to contact the ministry on 6438-5122 to provide us with more details of their case.

Ms Jean Tan
Director, Corporate
Communications
for Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Manpower

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