What are the employment protections to Government-Paid Paternity Leave and Adoption Leave introduced from 1 Apr 2025?
As of 1 Apr 2025, the same employment protections granted to female employees on Government-Paid Maternity Leave (GPML) will be extended to fathers and adoptive parents taking Government-Paid Paternity Leave (GPPL) and Adoption Leave (AL). This means it will be unlawful to serve a notice of dismissal to employees on GPPL and AL, just as female employees on GPML are protected today. Parents may approach the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for assistance if they are dismissed while on GPML, GPPL or AL. Employers found in violation will be guilty of an offence, and affected employees may file a claim against their employers to recover payment for the unutilised leave entitlement due to the dismissal.
As GPML, GPPL and AL are designed to be taken immediately after the birth or adoption of the child, extending these protections ensures that both fathers and adoptive mothers can fully utilise their leave without concern.
Related questions
What can I do if I'm dismissed while on Shared Parental Leave (SPL)? Do I have the same job protection on SPL as other Government-Paid leaves?
How does employee protection for Shared Parental Leave (SPL) compare to other parental leave types, and what options exist for those dismissed while on SPL?
I am not entitled to the parental leave schemes as I worked with my employer for less than 3 months when my child was born. Can I appeal for the entitlement?
If parents are eligible for GPML, GPPL or AL, can they choose not to take the leave, and opt to get Government-Paid Maternity Benefit (GPMB), Government-Paid Paternity Benefit (GPPB) or Government-Paid Adoption Benefit (GPAB) in lieu of unconsumed leave?
