NDR 2026: Businesses welcome government move to cover childcare leave costs, but manpower concerns remain
Some employers warn that replacing absent staff members remains difficult, especially for small firms.
Singaporean businesses have welcomed the government's decision to fully cover childcare leave costs, but some express concerns about staffing gaps during staff absences. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced in his National Day Rally speech that parents will receive more childcare leave, with the government reimbursing employers up to a limit.
The enhanced scheme provides each parent with eight to 12 days of leave per year, depending on the number of Singaporean children under 12 years old they have. However, some employers, particularly small firms, remain wary of replacing absent staff members, especially those with limited resources. Businesses like Betterment Group, Win-Pro Consultancy, Aureus Academy and OMMA Chicken Soup have expressed confidence in their ability to adapt to the change, citing factors such as advanced planning, departmental empathy, and the nature of their operations.
Nevertheless, concerns persist about the underlying staffing challenges and the need for additional support, such as temporary manpower services, for businesses with a significant number of employees requiring childcare leave.
Written by urgent.news from CNA - Singapore's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
