Wrongful Dismissal in Singapore
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Singapore Acts of Parliament, subsidiary legislation, and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Singapore law protects employees from wrongful dismissal — termination that is done without just cause or excuse. Since 2019, all employees under the Employment Act can bring a wrongful dismissal claim (previously limited to those with 2+ years of service).
- Wrongful dismissal includes: dismissal without valid reason, dismissal as punishment for exercising a legal right (e.g., filing a salary claim, maternity leave), and constructive dismissal (where the employer makes conditions so intolerable you are forced to resign).
- Notice period: Either party must give notice as stated in the contract, or statutory minimums: 1 day (< 26 weeks service), 1 week (26 weeks–2 years), 2 weeks (2–5 years), 4 weeks (5+ years).
- Summary dismissal (without notice) is lawful only for serious misconduct — e.g., theft, dishonesty, violence, or wilful insubordination — and must follow a proper inquiry.
When does it apply?
- You are an employee covered by the Employment Act — this includes all employees except domestic workers, seafarers, and statutory board employees.
- There is no minimum service requirement for wrongful dismissal claims.
- Managers and executives earning above $4,500/month are covered for wrongful dismissal (Part XV applies to all EA-covered employees).
What to Do If You Have Been Wrongfully Dismissed by Your Employer in Singapore
- Request written reasons for your dismissal from your employer.
- File a mediation request with TADM within 1 month of your last day of employment.
- If mediation fails, your case proceeds to the Employment Claims Tribunals (ECT).
- The ECT can order reinstatement or compensation (up to the equivalent of the employee's last drawn salary × the length of the claim).
- Keep all documents: termination letter, payslips, performance reviews, and any correspondence.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't delay filing — you have only 1 month from your last day to lodge a wrongful dismissal claim with TADM.
- Don't sign a settlement or waiver without understanding what you are giving up. Seek advice first.
- Don't assume probationers have no rights — employees on probation are still covered by the Employment Act.
Common Questions
How long do I have to file a wrongful dismissal claim in Singapore?
You have only 1 month from your last day of employment to lodge a wrongful dismissal claim with TADM. Missing this deadline means you lose the employment claim, no matter the merits. Request written reasons for your dismissal from your employer and keep all documents — termination letter, payslips, performance reviews, and correspondence.
Can employees on probation claim wrongful dismissal in Singapore?
Yes. Employees on probation are still covered by the Employment Act, and there is no minimum service requirement for wrongful dismissal claims since 2019. Managers and executives earning above S$4,500 per month are also covered. The Act covers all employees except domestic workers, seafarers, and statutory board staff.
What can the Employment Claims Tribunal order in a wrongful dismissal case?
The ECT can order reinstatement or compensation up to the equivalent of the employee's last drawn salary multiplied by the length of the claim. Wrongful dismissal covers termination without valid reason, dismissal as punishment for exercising a legal right, and constructive dismissal — where the employer makes conditions so intolerable you are forced to resign.
When does it apply — wrongful dismissal?
You are an employee covered by the Employment Act — this includes all employees except domestic workers, seafarers, and statutory board employees.There is no minimum service requirement for wrongful dismissal claims.Managers and executives earning above $4,500/month are covered for wrongful dismissal (Part XV applies to all EA-covered employees).
What should I do if I believe I was wrongfully dismissed or unfairly fired in Singapore?
Request written reasons for your dismissal from your employer.File a mediation request with TADM within 1 month of your last day of employment.If mediation fails, your case proceeds to the Employment Claims Tribunals (ECT).The ECT can order reinstatement or compensation (up to the equivalent of the employee's last drawn salary × the length of the claim).Keep all documents: termination letter, payslips, performance reviews, and any correspondence.
What should you NOT do — wrongful dismissal?
Don't delay filing — you have only 1 month from your last day to lodge a wrongful dismissal claim with TADM.Don't sign a settlement or waiver without understanding what you are giving up. Seek advice first.Don't assume probationers have no rights — employees on probation are still covered by the Employment Act.