Gov to introduce family care leave for civil servants

Government plans to introduce "family care leave" for civil servants, capped at 12 hours per person annually.

Authorities say employees only need to apply in advance and do not need to submit proof, with the launching of this scheme expected in January next year.

In order to balance employee's duties and family responsibilities, the latest Policy Address has proposed a "family care leave" scheme, which allows civil servants to temporarily leave their duties under specific circumstances, including accompanying family members to medical appointments, taking care of sick family members, handling unexpected household emergencies.

The leave will be taken on an hourly basis, with employees able to apply for 1-4 hours per occasion, up to a maximum of 12 hours per year.

Any unused leave at the end of the year cannot be carried foward to the next year.

Employees only need to apply in advance and do not need to submit proof.

Civil Servants General Union noted civil servants currently rely on accumulated leave accrued from overtime work for such family care events.

Welcoming the scheme of family care leave, the union expressed confidence the measure will help boost civil service morale.

Some feel 12 hours is insufficient, the union suggested conducting a review after one year.

What do members of the public think about this scheme?

This woman said she wishes her company could launch something similar, so she could spend more time with her children.

This woman also said whether it is for accompanying family members to medical appointments or having to deal with a medical emergency, private companies should set up similar schemes.

A lawmaker representing the business sector noted some small and medium enterprises are already providing similar leave.

Jonathan Lamport believed extending the measure to private companies will not be difficult.

Authorities said it is finalising the details and operational arrangements, which will take effect after consulting staff members, with the launching of the scheme expected in January next year.