Childcare Leave Increase Draws Cheers From Parents, Concerns From Singles

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's announcement of increased childcare leave at the National Day Rally on Sunday (Aug 23) has been welcomed by parents, while also sparking concerns among working adults without children.

Under the revamped scheme, each working parent with Singaporean children aged 12 and below will receive 8 days of childcare leave for one child, 10 days for two and 12 days for three or more.

The Government will also fully bear the cost of statutory child-related leave, up to the reimbursement limits.

While parents largely celebrated the additional childcare leave, the reactions have widened the conversation to how workplaces can support different caregiving needs without leaving other employees to shoulder the burden..