Log in or register
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 28 AUGUST 2026

The Twelve ECT Cases Of 2026: Five Golden Rules

Duane Morris LLP
Duane Morris LLP
Contributor
Explore more from Duane Morris LLP

Singapore's Employment Claims Tribunal has published its first twelve written decisions since 2019, establishing five fundamental principles that reshape employer obligations beyond mere contractual compliance.

SingaporeEmployment and HR
Leonard Loh
Leonard Loh
Author LinkedIn connections

Key Takeaway: In 2026, Singapore’s Employment Claims Tribunal published its first-ever written decisions: twelve in all to-date. Like the five golden rings in the famous Christmas carol, five core principles emerge from these cases. Employers should particularly take note.

The Employment Claims Tribunal (“ECT”) published twelve written decisions between May and August 2026 — its first since assuming wrongful dismissal jurisdiction in 2019. These decisions address wrongful dismissal, overtime pay, retirement, constructive dismissal, salary deductions and more. This article identifies the five important rules that emerge from these decisions.

1. Full Contractual Compliance Is Not Sufficient

The ECT conducts a de novo, merits-based inquiry into whether a dismissal was “without just cause or excuse” under section 14(2) of the Employment Act 1968 (“EA”): JGP v JGQ [2026] SGECT 1. This is a statutory cause of action, which is distinct from a common law claim. Paying notice or salary in

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

Disclaimer: This Alert has been prepared and published for informational purposes only and is not offered, nor should be construed, as legal advice. For more information, please see the firm's full disclaimer.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

View source

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

See more popular content from

Article

Compliance Check: Sick Leave Entitlements In Singapore And Malaysia

Sick leave entitlements across South-East Asia vary significantly by jurisdiction, creating compliance challenges for regional employers. This analysis examines the contrasting statutory frameworks governing paid sick leave in Malaysia and Singapore, highlighting critical differences in how entitlements accrue, when they apply, and what employers must track to ensure compliance with each country's employment laws.
GlobalEmployment and HR
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP
Article

Asia: Social Security Payments

Multinational employers managing payroll across Asia face significant compliance complexity due to varying social security frameworks. This comparative analysis examines the key differences in worker coverage, contribution rates, and compliance requirements across five major jurisdictions. Understanding these distinctions is essential for organizations navigating cross-border employment obligations in the region.
GlobalEmployment and HR
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP
Article

DHS Proposes $70,000 And $30,000 Fees For F-1 Optional Practical Training

The Department of Homeland Security has proposed a controversial new rule requiring SEVP-certified schools to pay substantial fees—$70,000 for a student's first Optional Practical Training recommendation and $30,000 for each subsequent OPT application, including STEM extensions. With only a 30-day comment period and potential annual costs reaching up to $16.5 billion across nearly 2,500 affected institutions, the proposed regulation is expected to face significant legal challenges if finalized.
United StatesImmigration
Duane Morris LLP
Duane Morris LLP
Article

SEC Proposes Rule Amendments To Expand Retail Access To Private Markets

The SEC has proposed sweeping amendments to expand retail investor access to private market strategies, including changes to performance-based compensation rules for registered investment advisers and modernization of the interval fund framework. The proposals also explore new credential-based pathways for individuals to qualify as accredited investors, potentially opening private offerings to a broader pool of eligible participants.
United StatesFinance and Banking
Duane Morris LLP
Duane Morris LLP