SINGAPORE is unlikely to take the labour movement’s suggestion to make caregiving leave mandatory, with employers saying such a move would be untenable without financial support from the government.

Last Wednesday (Sep 20), the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) called on the government to introduce statutory paid caregiving leave, among several recommendations to help workers who are caring for elderly, disabled or ill family members.

Defining “family members” as individuals related by blood, marriage or adoption, NTUC added that such legislation should cover chronic illnesses and both physical and mental conditions. It did not suggest exactly how much leave should be given.