Extending Use of Pro-family Leave to Provide Caregiving to Spouses

Mr Vikram Nair asked the Minister for Education whether the Ministry will consider including spouses in the category of people whom teachers are entitled to take pro-family leave to care for, as the current policy permits such leave to be taken to care for parents and children only.

Mr Speaker, to the Member's question, the Ministry has already included spouses in the category of people whom teachers are entitled to take pro-family leave. It is already part of the Civil Service provisions, as it stands.

I have a supplementary question. From what I understand, there are around 14 days of leave, but it has to be pre-qualified, of which I think, three days for childcare, two days for parent care, one day is for Housing and Development Board registration. From what I understand, leave to take care of spouses would be considered no pay leave. I will be grateful for the Minister's clarification that this is not the case.

Sir, in line with the Civil Service provisions that were updated earlier this year, that is now included as part of the leave provisions.