Government funding of parental leave may not fully address operational concerns, say businesses

ALTHOUGH the government is picking up the tab for increases in parental leave, this may not solve the problem of having to make covering arrangements for extended periods, said industry associations.

Small businesses in particular could find it hard to adjust, said Ang Yuit, president of the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (Asme).

Their operational worries include business continuity concerns if a key staff member takes extended leave, and finding temporary staffing – particularly for roles or industries that require specialised skillsets, said Ang.