With effect from 31 October 2008:
a) Paid maternity leave will be for up to 16 weeks (previously 12 weeks). For the first two confinements, the first eight weeks of maternity leave will continue to be employer-paid.The last eight weeks will be funded by the Government (capped at $10,000 per 4 weeks i.e. $20,000 per confinement including CPF contributions). For the third and subsequent confinements, the full 16 weeks will be funded by the Government (capped at $10,000 per 4 weeks i.e. $40,000 per confinement including CPF contributions). The last 8 weeks may be taken flexibly within a 12-month period from the birth of the child.
b) To qualify for maternity leave benefits, the mother must have worked for at least 90 days with the employer (previously 180 days).
c) Maternity leave benefits will be payable even if the pregnant employee is retrenched within the last 3 months of pregnancy.
d) Maternity leave benefits will be payable even if the pregnant employee is dismissed without sufficient cause within the last 6 months of pregnancy*.
e) Mothers will be able to claim maternity leave payment from all their employers if they work for more than one employer at the same time.
*Includes termination of employment with or without notice.
Employers will be required to grant the additional maternity leave to their employees after 31 October 2008 when the legislative amendments take effect. In the transitional period, they are encouraged to grant such leave from 17 August 2008.
