Twelve Cupcakes under investigation for unpaid wages

SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board have confirmed that the Twelve Cupcakes chain is under investigation for unpaid wages and suspected violations of the Employment Act.

According to the authorities, approximately 80 employees have been affected. Several employees said they were not given any prior notice and only discovered that the company had closed when liquidators arrived at the office.

The abrupt closure has left many staff members in a difficult situation, particularly a significant number of foreign employees holding work permits or S Passes.

In a joint statement, MOM and CPF described the company’s actions as irresponsible. The agencies stressed that while layoffs are sometimes unavoidable, employers have a duty to treat their workers with responsibility and compassion. The immediate focus, they said, is to help affected employees secure new employment.

The CPF Board will submit proof of debt to the liquidator in an effort to recover outstanding CPF contributions for the months of September and October.

The Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) will be assisting affected employees in submitting proof of claims to recover unpaid wages and other employment-related compensation.