The New Singapore Employment Act – too much or too little?

Contacts

seowhui goh module
Seow Hui Goh

Partner
Singapore

I'm an employment and disputes lawyer heading up both practices at Bird & Bird Singapore. I solve people problems with business impact.

Significant amendments to the Employment Act ("EA") will take effect from 1 April 2019. With the removal of the qualifying requirements around salary and job grade, every private sector employee in Singapore will be entitled to the rights and protections under the EA.

This has far-reaching implications on the approach and practice in relation to termination of employment. Broadly, it means that employees may bring a claim against employers if they consider that they have been dismissed without just cause or excuse (the shorthand of which is "unfair dismissal") or for constructive dismissal (i.e. forced resignations).

Despite the Legislature's positive intentions, these changes throw up a few problems in practice.

To read more, click here.

Latest insights

More Insights
featured image

EU Employment Law Report Q3 - Q4 2025

1 minute Jan 29 2026

Read More
Curiosity line pink background

Landmark SG High Court Decision: Implied Duty of Mutual Trust & Confidence Affirmed in Employment Law

4 minutes Jan 29 2026

Read More
featured image

Poland: End of January deadline for not setting up a Company Social Benefits Fund

2 minutes Jan 22 2026

Read More