Singapore Employment Tribunal Clarifies Wrongful Dismissal Judgments

What the Employment Tribunal's Judgments Mean for Workers

The Employment Claims Tribunal has released 17 judgments this year, providing clarity on employment law and practices. The judgments highlight the importance of understanding employment contracts and the burden of proof on employers and employees. For workers, it's essential to understand their own employment documents and keep proper records of anything that may become relevant if a dispute arises.

Felicia, a 39-year-old worker, was dismissed from her job after six months due to poor performance. However, she filed a case with the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management and won three months' salary as compensation. The judgment clarified that the employer had failed to justify its decision, and the worker was entitled to compensation.

The judgments also show how the ECT interprets concepts such as 'just cause or excuse', proportionality, and the burdens of evidence on employers and employees. They clarify the minimum standards or practices expected of employers and provide greater consistency by allowing tribunal magistrates and parties to see how similar issues have previously been analyzed.

Behind the Scenes: How Employers and Employees Can Navigate Employment Law

Behind the Scenes: How Employers and Employees Can Navigate Employment Law

The Employment Claims Tribunal's judgments have provided clarity on employment law and practices. However, it's essential to note that each case turns on its own facts. Employees should understand their own employment documents and keep proper records of anything that may become relevant if a dispute arises.

The Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management has seen an increase in disputes handled with union members, with 86% of cases being successful in 2025. The judgments highlight the importance of understanding employment contracts and the burden of proof on employers and employees.

The ECT's role is set to expand as it will judge disputes under the Workplace Fairness Act, which was passed in 2025 and will protect workers from being discriminated against based on a set of protected characteristics such as age, nationality, and sex.

Takeaways for Workers and Employers

Takeaways for Workers and Employers

For workers:

• Understand your own employment documents and keep proper records of anything that may become relevant if a dispute arises.
• Be aware of your rights and entitlements under employment law.

For employers:

• Ensure that you understand your obligations under employment law and provide clear guidance on what constitutes a retrenchment.
• Be aware of the burden of proof on employers and employees in employment disputes.