Employers planning to extend business closures beyond the gazetted public holidays for Chinese New Year on 29 and 30 January 2025 have been reminded not to force workers to take annual or unpaid leave.
The Ministry of Human Resources in a statement today said employees have the right to decide when to utilise their annual leave, and employers are prohibited from deciding when the workers should take leave to reduce business losses.
“Annual and unpaid leave must be given at the employee’s request and discretion.
“Employees affected by employers deducting annual leave entitlements or wages during closures exceeding the public holiday period can report such incidents to the nearest Labour Office, as per Section 69 of the Employment Act 1955,” the statement said.
The ministry also said it has received complaints from workers on the matter and emphasised that employees have the right to decide when to use their annual leave, and employers cannot force them to use their annual or unpaid leave to cut business costs.
-HR HUB
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