Financial firms are getting into the national birthday spirit by giving employees days off and cash gifts.

All United Overseas Bank (UOB) staff in Singapore will get an extra day of annual leave "to celebrate the nation's 50th birthday with their loved ones", it said yesterday.

To sweeten the occasion, about 7,500 employees ranked vice-president and below will also receive a $1,000 cash gift.

UOB chief executive Wee Ee Cheong said the bank wanted its employees to be able to celebrate the occasion with a gesture that went beyond cash.

"As SG50 is a historic moment in time for Singapore, we wanted our employees to be able to extend their celebrations with family and friends, whether they take the day off to coincide with this long weekend or any other time this golden jubilee year," he said.

DBS Bank had said in February it would mark the occasion by giving all employees ranked vice-president and below a $1,000 cash bonus, while about 3,000 of OCBC's junior executives and unionised employees in Singapore will each get 100 OCBC shares.

Yesterday's closing price would have valued those shares at $1,020.

Insurer Great Eastern said yesterday that it is giving about 1,000 employees four passes each to visit Singapore's landmarks and attractions. These are valid until Dec 31.

Those who take part in Great Eastern's SG50 heritage race will end the day attending the premiere of new blockbuster film Fantastic Four today.

Said Dr Khoo Kah Siang, Great Eastern's Singapore chief executive: "As a home-grown brand which has contributed to the success of the nation, there is no better time for us to celebrate.

"As they visit our cultural and historical landmarks, we hope it will rekindle their appreciation of what makes us Singaporeans."