Understanding Sick Leave Entitlement in Singapore
Navigating sick leave in Singapore can be tricky, especially for those unfamiliar with the Employment Act. This comprehensive guide clarifies your rights and responsibilities regarding paid sick leave, ensuring both employers and employees are well-informed.
Paid Sick Leave: Outpatient and Hospitalization
Singapore's Employment Act dictates paid sick leave, categorized into two types:
Paid Outpatient Sick Leave
This covers short-term illnesses not requiring hospitalization. The entitlement depends on your service length:
- Less than 6 months: Pro-rated. For example:
- 3 months: 5 days
- 4 months: 8 days
- 5 months: 11 days
- 6 months or more: 14 days per year.
Paid Hospitalization Leave
This covers hospitalization, day surgery, bed rest, or quarantine. Entitlement is also service-dependent:
- Less than 6 months: Pro-rated. For example:
- 3 months: 15 days
- 4 months: 30 days
- 5 months: 45 days
- 6 months or more: Up to 60 days per year (includes the 14 days of outpatient leave).
In summary: After 6 months, you're entitled to 14 days of outpatient and up to 60 days of hospitalization leave. Before 6 months, it's pro-rated.
Eligibility for Paid Sick Leave
To qualify for paid sick leave, you must:
- Be covered under the Employment Act.
- Have worked for at least 3 months.
- Inform your employer within 48 hours of absence (unless exceptional circumstances prevent this).
Medical Certificates (MCs)
A medical certificate (MC) from a registered Singaporean medical practitioner is mandatory for paid sick leave. The MC must include:
- Date of examination
- Diagnosis
- Expected duration of illness
- Doctor's registration details or clinic stamp
Failure to provide a valid MC can result in unpaid leave and potential disciplinary action.
Payment During Sick Leave
For both outpatient and hospitalization leave, you're paid at your gross rate of pay, excluding most bonuses, allowances (except for shift allowances in outpatient cases), and overtime payments.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers generally cannot refuse sick leave with a valid MC and proper notification. They are obligated to process requests fairly and protect employees from discrimination due to medical leave.
Unused Sick Leave
Unused sick leave does not carry over to the next year.
**Exception**: While unused sick leave generally does not carry over to the next year, employers may allow it based on employment contracts or company policies.
Sick Leave During Probation
Paid sick leave is only available after 3 months of employment, regardless of probation status.
Under Singapore's Employment Act, eligibility for paid sick leave requires at least 3 months of employment, applicable to all employees under the Act regardless of probation status.
However, employers may grant leave at their discretion during the first 3 months.
Hospitalization Leave and Outpatient Sick Leave
Hospitalization leave and outpatient sick leave are combined. The total entitlement for those with at least 6 months of service is capped at 60 days.
Exceeding Sick Leave Entitlement
Exceeding your entitlement results in unpaid medical leave. Discuss options with your employer, such as unpaid leave, alternative work arrangements, or a medical assessment.
Sick Leave for Part-Time Employees
Part-time employees are entitled to paid sick leave, pro-rated based on their working hours relative to a full-time employee's hours.
Conclusion
Understanding your sick leave entitlements is crucial for both employees and employers. By adhering to the Employment Act's guidelines, both parties can manage sick leave effectively and fairly. Always consult the official Employment Act for the most up-to-date and detailed information.
