Supporting Caregivers to Obtain Time-off from Work to Accompany Parents for Medical Appointments

Ms Poh Li San asked the Minister for Manpower what measures are being considered to better support caregivers, especially frontline workers, in obtaining time-off from work to accompany their parents for medical appointments.

Flexible work arrangements (FWAs) can support all employees, including frontline workers, in their caregiving responsibilities. To support employees in accessing the FWAs they need, the Government and tripartite partners implemented the Tripartite Guidelines on FWA Requests in December 2024. This sets out the process for employees to formally request for FWAs, and for employers to consider such requests on business grounds. Employees may use this process to request one-off or more sustained arrangements that could meet their specific needs.

Employees may also tap on statutory annual leave, or other voluntary provisions by employers, such as time-off and additional leave for caregivers, to meet their needs.