Connect with us:

Maternity Protection for Pregnant Employees

To protect pregnant employees, employers are required to pay maternity leave benefits to pregnant employees if they are dismissed without sufficient cause or retrenched at any stage of their pregnancy.

You are eligible for this protection if:

You have served your employer for a continuous duration of at least 3 months.
You have obtained a doctor’s certification on your pregnancy before any notice of dismissal is given.

It is also an offence for an employer to dismiss an employee while she is on maternity leave.

For more information, you may wish to visit https://www.mom.gov.sg/employment-practices/leave/maternity-leave/protections-and-obligations.

FAQ

Expand All | Collapse All

1. If the contractual probation period is longer than the 3 months minimum qualifying period, will the employee enjoy maternity protection? Why?

Yes. The maternity protection will apply to the employee as long as she has served her employer for at least 3 continuous months. The probationary status will not affect employee's right to maternity protection.
The 3 months' qualifying period is generally considered a reasonable period of time for an employer to assess a female employee's suitability for employment.
2. Do I need to inform my employer in advance before I go on Maternity Leave?

Yes. The employee must inform her employer of her intention to go on Maternity Leave at least one week before starting her leave. It is good practice to inform her employer as early as possible so that the employer can make the necessary work arrangements.
3. How can pregnant employees be eligible for maternity protection?

To be eligible for maternity protection, the employee must have served her employer for a continuous duration of at least 3 months before receiving the notice of dismissal or retrenchment. She would also have to obtain a doctor’s certification on her pregnancy before any notice of dismissal or retrenchment is given.

Last Updated : 11 Oct 2020