Will Singapore employer's embrace Swedish-like child care leave?

There have been hints in the government that S'pore may expand its national child leave policy to mirror that in European nations like Sweden. While S'pore currently offers mothers 3 months of paid maternity leave...and fathers three days, Sweden offers 13 months for both parents. Not surprisingly Singaporeans of child-rearing age who were asked like the idea, but employers are balking.

The Electric New Paper says that some workers expressed concern that if they policy was changed that generously, they would be discriminated against if they or their spouse became pregnant. S'pore does not allow dismissal of women during their pregnancy or their leaves.

Employers are understandably concerned that the 400% increase in time off (from 3-13 months for 2 parents) would hurt them in both productivity and financially. They would have to continue to pay salary AND find someone to replace the lost worker. Swedes, and other Europeans with extremely long maternity pay have much higher taxes than Singapore to help cover costs.

Image Source CT government
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