Workers’ Party MP calls for formal recognition of caregiving as essential labour with structured compensation

Family caregiving plays a crucial role in Singapore’s social framework, yet remains largely unpaid. On Friday (Mar 7), Workers’ Party MP Gerald Giam (Aljunied GRC) emphasised the need for financial recognition of this work, proposing allowances and CPF contributions for caregivers who dedicate their time to looking after family members.

Speaking during the Committee of Supply debate for the Ministry of Social and Family Development, Giam called for a shift in how caregiving is perceived, arguing that it should be treated as essential labour deserving of proper compensation rather than mere financial relief.

He highlighted the heavy burden borne by caregivers, particularly in the face of Singapore’s ageing population. Many give up their careers, deplete their savings, and endure immense physical and emotional strain while providing care. Without their contributions, the state’s healthcare costs would be significantly higher.

Citing a study by researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School, he noted that informal elder care for those aged 75 and above incurs an estimated cost of S$1.28 billion annually, equating to 11% of the government’s total healthcare spending.

While acknowledging the recent increase in the Home Caregiving Grant to S$600 per month, Giam argued that the current approach still places caregiving responsibility primarily on families, with government support being supplementary. He suggested a tiered caregiver payment scheme for those who reduce their working hours or leave employment to provide care, ensuring they meet a minimum caregiving threshold. Additionally, he proposed CPF contributions to secure their long-term financial well-being.

Recognising caregiving as a skilled profession, he advocated for a national certification framework to equip caregivers with formal training, enhancing their employability when they return to the workforce.

“Caregivers are the backbone of our long-term care system. If we truly appreciate their contributions, we must compensate them fairly,” he stated. “This isn’t just about increasing support—it’s about rethinking our approach to prepare Singapore for an ageing society.”

Following his speech, Giam reiterated his stance in a Facebook post on Monday (Mar 10), responding to Minister of State Sun Xueling’s comment that “it is difficult to put a monetary value on love.” He agreed but stressed that the issue at hand is alleviating caregivers’ financial hardships rather than assigning a price to familial care.

During the Budget debate, Non-Constituency MP Leong Mun Wai (Progress Singapore Party) also proposed a S$1,250 monthly allowance for parents or grandparents who serve as full-time caregivers for children under the age of seven.