Ian Lim, Partner and the head of our Employment & Labour practice, joined Money FM 89.3 host Audrey Siek to unpack the retrenchment saga linked to Agoda, after reports that about 50 Singapore-based employees were let go following an Aug 4 virtual town hall.

Citing reports on a severance document that allegedly instructed staff not to report the retrenchment to the Ministry of Manpower, TAFEP, statutory bodies or unions, Ian underscored that any clause restricting employees from seeking redress with authorities is unenforceable.

Drawing on his extensive practice, Ian walked listeners through the building blocks of fair severance — from notice pay, ex-gratia sums and unused leave encashment to benefits run-off — stressing that confidentiality or non-disparagement terms cannot bar lawful reporting.

He outlined the different rights and protections for contract versus permanent employees, set out best-practice conduct for responsible layoffs (procedural fairness, clear and compassionate communications, and union access), and offered practical advice for workers: understand entitlements, keep records, seek early counsel, and approach MOM/TAFEP if in doubt.

Listen to the full recording here: https://shorturl.at/l8IrK