Twelve Cupcakes under MOM probe for unpaid salaries, abrupt retrenchment

Ministry says its priority is to help the affected workers find fresh employment

- Benjamin Lim Correspondent

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is investigating Twelve Cupcakes for nonpayment of salaries and other potential breaches after the bakery chain abruptly dismissed about 80 employees on Oct 29.

In a joint statement with the Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board on Oct 31, MOM said it will take enforcement action and impose penalties if necessary.

The CPF Board will also file a claim with the liquidator, AAG Corporate Advisory, to recover outstanding contributions for September and October.

The authorities noted that, despite being a unionised company under the Food, Drinks and Allied Workers Union (FDAWU), the confectionery chain had abruptly closed without advance notice to the union or its employees - a move they called irresponsible and “not aligned with the Tripartite Advisory on Managing Excess Manpower and Responsible Retrenchment”.