1. Introduction
Unpaid leave, also known as no-pay leave, is a form of leave from work without receiving any compensation. Employees may request unpaid leave for various reasons, such as personal emergencies, family matters, or extended travel. In Singapore, the Employment Act governs the calculation of unpaid leave entitlements and the related procedures.
2. Calculating Unpaid Leave Entitlements
The number of unpaid leave days an employee is entitled to depends on the length of their employment. According to the Employment Act, employees are entitled to:
- 7 days of unpaid leave per calendar year after the first six months of employment
- 14 days of unpaid leave per calendar year after the first year of employment
Example 1
An employee who has worked for their employer for 8 months is entitled to 7 days of unpaid leave.
Example 2
An employee who has worked for their employer for 2 years is entitled to 14 days of unpaid leave.
3. Requesting Unpaid Leave
Employees must submit a written request for unpaid leave to their employer in advance. The request should include:
- The specific dates of the unpaid leave
- The reason for the request
- Any supporting documentation (e.g., medical certificate)
The employer has the discretion to approve or reject the request based on operational reasons or business needs.
4. Calculating Pay During Unpaid Leave
During unpaid leave, employees do not receive any compensation. This means that their regular salary, bonuses, and allowances will be withheld. However, employees may still be entitled to certain benefits, such as:
- Company-provided insurance coverage
- Medical and dental benefits
- Paid public holidays that fall within the unpaid leave period
5. Returning from Unpaid Leave
Upon returning from unpaid leave, employees are entitled to resume their previous job or a similar position. They may also be required to undergo a medical examination to ensure their fitness to return to work.
6. Special Considerations
Certain situations may affect unpaid leave entitlements:
- Maternity leave: Female employees are entitled to 16 weeks of unpaid maternity leave after giving birth.
- Paternity leave: Male employees may be entitled to 2 weeks of unpaid paternity leave.
- Compassionate leave: Employees may be granted unpaid compassionate leave in the event of the death of a close family member.
7. Conclusion
Understanding how to calculate unpaid leave in Singapore is essential for both employers and employees. By following the guidelines outlined in the Employment Act, employers can ensure proper administration of unpaid leave requests, while employees can effectively plan and manage their time away from work.
