HR Ministry: Employers Not Allowed to Force Workers to Utilise Annual or Unpaid Leave for CNY Closure

Employers are NOT allowed to compel employees to take unpaid or annual leaves during business closures beyond the gazetted Chinese New Year public holidays on Jan 29 and Jan 30, 2025.

In a brief statement today (January 28), the Ministry of Human Resources stated that 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.

Source: Pexels | Suki Lee

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“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 HR Ministry also highlighted complaints from employees about certain employers forcing them to take leave due to extended closures around the festive period. 

Source: Job Street

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The ministry also reminded all employers to respect workers’ rights and abide by labour laws during the festive season.

Also read: Anthony Loke: Complaints About Expensive Flight Tickets During the Festive Season Have Reduced this Year