Regulations Governing Use of Number of Days of Sick Leave

43 Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for Manpower whether there are any regulations governing the use of the number of days of sick leave taken as a key performance indicator, for employees who are eligible for sick leave and whose leave is certified by a medical practitioner.

Dr Tan See Leng: Paid sick leave is a basic protection under the Employment Act. MOM expects all employers to excuse their employees from work if they are certified unfit for work by their doctor. Employees should inform their employers promptly when they need to be on sick leave, so that the necessary covering work arrangements can be made.

Employers should adopt fair and objective appraisal or performance management systems that take into consideration the employee’s overall ability, performance and contributions. The tripartite partners have consensus that using an employee’s consumption of paid sick leave as a key performance indicator for the whole year is inappropriate.

Employees who are concerned about how sick leave is taken into account by their employer should approach the union for help. Employers who are unclear should also approach SNEF, NTUC or the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) for assistance. If employees or unions cannot satisfactorily resolve the matter with their management, they should approach MOM for further assistance.