Days that count and notice
No statutory paid sick leave applies during rest days, public holidays, non-working days, annual or unpaid leave. Discuss cancelling annual leave if sick. In MOM’s 8–9 August two-day MC example, the public-holiday day does not count, leaving one sick day. A half working day such as Saturday still counts as one sick day. During resignation notice, qualifying paid sick leave remains available with normal 3–6-month pro-rating; paid or unpaid sick leave counts within notice.
Overseas doctors, TCM and vaccination
Employers may choose to recognise overseas or TCM MCs as paid leave; check the contract or company practice. The worker should still be excused based on the MC. MOM’s vaccination guidance encourages paid time for COVID-19 vaccination/boosters and recovery time for common side effects, usually resolving within 3 days; severe effects warrant medical care and sick leave. The linked VIFAP is a separate goodwill-assistance programme for qualifying serious vaccine-related effects; check its current official conditions.
Exhausted leave or inability to continue work
Employers may agree extended unpaid leave, adjusted duties or another arrangement, or obtain a medical assessment. Without an MC, check contractual consultation benefits. A doctor’s certification of inability to continue working may lead to termination with notice or pay in lieu; compensation follows the contract or an ex-gratia goodwill payment. Employers are encouraged to show flexibility if severe vaccine effects exhaust leave.
Related topics and services
Official documents and references
- Vaccine Injury Financial Assistance Programme (VIFAP) ↗ Government source