Civil servants can call in sick without MC for 2 days

ALL content used in this not-for-profit blog remain the property of their respective owners.
http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/civil-servants-can-call-sick-without-mc-2-days

From the start of April 2013, civil servants can — like some of their peers in the private sector — occasionally call in sick without having to produce a medical certificate (MC) and still get paid for a day’s work.

They can exercise this privilege on two non-consecutive days each year, subject to the approval of their superiors.

A circular — dated March 28 — was sent out by the Public Service Division (PSD) informing civil servants of the revised policy which took effect on April 1.

The two days will be deducted from the Ordinary Sick Leave that civil servants are entitled to.

The PSD circular, which was also sent to statutory boards, said that stat boards have to consult their parent ministries on the revised policy.

Responding to TODAY’s queries, Ms Ong Poh Chin, PSD Director of Rewards and Recognition, said: “This is also a progressive human resource practice which some private-sector companies also offer. It will make it easier for the officer who may feel unwell but can recover with some home rest to do so, instead of getting an MC for it.

While all civil servants — including the rank and file — will be eligible for the new privilege, ministries may need to set additional requirements to suit their operational needs.

Most ministries TODAY contacted said they will implement the revised policy with minimal restrictions. For example, the Ministry of Education (MOE) will not allow staff to call in sick without a valid MC during national examinations such as the Primary School Leaving Examination, and the O- and A-Levels.

An MOE spokesperson explained that during national exams, selected officers are appointed as assessor, marker, invigilator or liaison officer. “As these are special appointments for specific duties, suitable replacements for absentees need to be selected and appointed. Hence, officers are required to produce an MC should they be unable to perform these duties,” she said.

The Ministry of Home Affairs said it was still studying the revised policy.

HR experts said the Civil Service’s move could inspire more private sector companies here to adopt a practice that is quite common in other countries. Some of them noted that should such a practice become more widespread here, healthcare costs could also be lowered as people do not have to turn to a doctor every time they are ill in order to be excused from work.

In the United Kingdom, employees only need a medical certificate after seven days of sick leave. Nevertheless, he noted that, in general, private companies in these countries often implement their own policies.