Employment Lawyers in Singapore

Employment Lawyers in Singapore

Our employment lawyers advise employers and employees on both non-contentious and contentious Singapore employment law matters.

We assist with employment contracts, termination, workplace misconduct, salary disputes, retrenchment, harassment, restrictive covenants and other employment disputes.

Our approach is practical and commercially focused. Where possible, we seek to resolve disputes through negotiation and settlement, with court proceedings considered where necessary.

We have acted for Propnex, one of the largest property agencies in Singapore, in an action against some of its former employees and agents for poaching its staff and for breach of contract.

Our Employment Law Services

We advise employers, employees and executives on:

• Employment contracts and workplace policies
• Termination and wrongful dismissal
• Summary dismissal and employee misconduct
• Salary, bonus and commission disputes
• Retrenchment and restructuring
• Workplace investigations
• Harassment and discrimination
• Confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements
• Non-compete and non-solicitation clauses
• Employee fraud and breach of duties
• Misuse of confidential information and intellectual property
• Negotiated exits and settlement agreements
• Employment-related civil disputes and injunctions

Employment Contracts

A properly drafted employment contract provides clarity and can help prevent disputes.

We draft and review employment agreements covering salary, bonuses, employee benefits, probation, notice periods, termination, confidentiality, intellectual property and post-termination restrictions.

We also advise employees and executives on their rights and obligations under employment agreements.

Termination, Dismissal and Employee Misconduct

We advise employers on terminating employees in accordance with their employment contracts and Singapore employment law. We also advise employees on wrongful dismissal and their contractual entitlements.

Our experience includes:

• Termination with or without notice
• Wrongful and summary dismissal
• Employee misconduct and disciplinary proceedings
• Show-cause letters
• Outstanding salary, bonuses and commissions
• Negotiated departures and settlements

Where misconduct is alleged, employers should ensure that the matter is properly investigated and the required inquiry conducted before disciplinary action is taken.

Salary, Bonus and Commission Disputes

We advise employers and employees on disputes involving unpaid salary, notice pay, bonuses, commissions, employee benefits and other contractual entitlements.

The legal position will often depend on the employment agreement, applicable incentive scheme and circumstances of the case.

Retrenchment and Restructuring

We advise employers on retrenchment and restructuring, including contractual obligations, notice requirements, retrenchment benefits and applicable regulatory requirements.

We also advise employees on their contractual rights and entitlements following retrenchment.

Non-Compete Clauses and Confidentiality

Employment agreements frequently contain non-compete, non-solicitation, confidentiality and other restrictions intended to protect an employer’s business.

Such restrictions are not automatically enforceable. Whether they can be enforced depends on their wording, the interest they seek to protect and the circumstances.

We advise employers on drafting and enforcing these protections and employees on how restrictive covenants may affect their future employment.

Where necessary, we also advise on injunctions and other court remedies.

Contentious Employment Disputes and Investigations

We advise on more complex employment matters involving:

• Employee fraud and dishonesty
• Breach of employment contracts or fiduciary duties
• Misuse of confidential information or intellectual property
• Diversion of business
• Workplace misconduct
• Harassment, discrimination and retaliation
• Disputes involving departing employees

We also advise employers on workplace investigations and appropriate disciplinary or legal action.

Where possible, we seek to resolve disputes through negotiation and settlement. Where court proceedings are necessary, we can advise and represent clients in civil proceedings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my employer terminate my employment by giving notice?

An employment contract may generally be terminated by giving the required contractual notice or salary in lieu, subject to applicable employment laws and the terms of the contract. However, the circumstances and reason for dismissal can still be legally relevant.

Is my non-compete clause enforceable?

Not necessarily. Enforceability depends on the wording of the clause, the interest it seeks to protect and the circumstances.

Can I claim an unpaid bonus or commission?

It depends on the employment contract, applicable bonus or commission scheme and circumstances. We can review the documents and advise on your contractual position.

Can an employment dispute be settled without going to court?

Yes. Many employment disputes can be resolved through correspondence, negotiation or settlement without court proceedings.

Initial Consultation

Our consultation fees start from $500 for up to 45 minutes. Contact us to arrange an appointment.

Speak to Our Employment Lawyers

If you are an employer or employee facing an employment issue, speak to our employment lawyers about your situation.