Childcare leave changes to take 'at least several months' to implement: Indranee Rajah

The Singapore government is preparing to implement changes to its childcare leave scheme, but the process will take several months, according to Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Indranee Rajah. Speaking on CNA938 radio, Ms Rajah said that amendments to the Child Development Co-Savings Act and operational details need to be worked out with employers and unions before the new leave can be introduced.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced during the National Day Rally on Aug 23 that parents will receive eight, ten or twelve days of leave annually, depending on the number of children they have. The current leave is six days per year for children aged six and below, or two days for those aged seven to twelve. Ms Rajah acknowledged that the enhanced leave could strain employers, but the government has covered the costs and will pay those who cover for parents taking childcare leave.

However, implementing the changes remains "easier said than done," as legislation must approve and pass the amendments first. IT systems also need updating to track parents taking childcare leave and ensure employers are reimbursed correctly. Ms Rajah urged workers to provide sufficient notice when taking leave and for employers to have contingency plans, such as job sharing or flexi work arrangements.

The government's financial support package for children includes a S$10,000 baby gift, top-ups to the Child Development Account, Child Credits, and a Post-Secondary Education Account top-up. The full package will be given to children born in 2026, while those born between 2023 and 2025 will receive a top-up on their Baby Bonus Cash Gift, bringing it to S$10,000.

Child Credits will be paid annually on the child's birthday, with the first disbursement beginning in April 2027.