--- title: 7 Moves to Make Before Retrenchment Hits — From Lawyers and WSG Experts description: Employment lawyer Amarjit Kaur and WSG’s Brandon Lee share actionable advice on how Singaporean professionals can prepare for retrenchment — from legal documentation and severance negotiations to skill-building, networking and financial readiness. image: https://businesstech.co.za/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/FIRED-CLOSING-.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/blog/7-moves-to-make-before-retrenchment-hits#main-content) [![Full\_COlour](https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Full_COlour.png?width=456&height=80&name=Full_COlour.png)](https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/) - [Retirement Marketspace](https://retirementmarketspace.thefinancialcoconut.com/) - [Events](https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/events) Show submenu for Events - [For Investors](https://tfcmysterymeetup.com/) - [For Business Owners & Creators](https://ipcreatorunite.peatix.com/) - [For Salaried Workers](https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/thought-leadership-series) - [TFC Events](https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/events) - [Shows](https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/tfc-shows) Show submenu for Shows - [Wise and Shine](https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/wise-and-shine) - [The Business Show](https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/tfc-business-show) - [Chills with TFC](https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/chills-with-tfc) - [Blog](https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/blog) Show submenu for Blog - [Work Smart](https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/worksmart) - [Invest](https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/invest) - [Retire Well](https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/retire-well) - [Business](https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/business) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Retirement Marketspace](https://retirementmarketspace.thefinancialcoconut.com/) - [Events](https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/events) Show submenu for Events - [For Investors](https://tfcmysterymeetup.com/) - [For Business Owners & Creators](https://ipcreatorunite.peatix.com/) - [For Salaried Workers](https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/thought-leadership-series) - [TFC Events](https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/events) - [Shows](https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/tfc-shows) Show submenu for Shows - [Wise and Shine](https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/wise-and-shine) - [The Business Show](https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/tfc-business-show) - [Chills with TFC](https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/chills-with-tfc) - [Blog](https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/blog) Show submenu for Blog - [Work Smart](https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/worksmart) - [Invest](https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/invest) - [Retire Well](https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/retire-well) - [Business](https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/business) - [Contact us](https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/contact-us) [Contact us](https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/contact-us) Oct 27, 2025, 7:17:03 PM # 7 Moves to Make Before Retrenchment Hits — From Lawyers and WSG Experts ![Picture of Destenie Chua](https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Square%20(2)-4.png?width=50&name=Square%20(2)-4.png) [Destenie Chua](https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/blog/author/destenie-chua) Share: [facebook-f icon](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/blog/7-moves-to-make-before-retrenchment-hits) [linkedin-in icon](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/blog/7-moves-to-make-before-retrenchment-hits) [envelope icon](mailto:?body=https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/blog/7-moves-to-make-before-retrenchment-hits) [Share this page](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/blog/7-moves-to-make-before-retrenchment-hits) [![Follow The Financial Coconut](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/46975693/interactive-182431637553.png)](https://cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLL2CjCe42iR2RH2MpVX0Ej%2BKJQ%2F3A0Z7pXnUs35To%2Bo6nbKcpBVq9I98X5NUungVEwfs5YCKuM%2FaP97VxIITkTlihT57%2F%2F4XDW9rT3VR4MatSLDi%2BMU5mbQqihfX3LRRz83ij8K19OiD8UXy8sdct4t0Q%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=182431637553&portalId=46975693) **TL;DR** [Retrenchment](https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/blog/retrenchment-resources) can happen to anyone — even strong performers. Head Employment lawyer **Amarjit Kaur** and **Brandon Lee** from **Workforce Singapore (WSG)** explain that preparation should begin *before* any signs appear. Keep your contracts, benefits and achievements documented, understand your rights, and build a network and skill base that makes you re-employable fast. Preparation protects leverage, not paranoia. ## **Retrenchment in Singapore Is Not About Performance** Retrenchment has become part of the modern career cycle. According to MOM data, **about 1.4 out of every 1,000 employed residents** were retrenched in 2023 — and that includes high performers. Organisational restructuring, automation and global market shifts often drive such decisions, not individual output. > “It’s not about performance; it’s about repositioning the company for new opportunities,” notes **Brandon Lee**, Assistant Chief Executive of **Workforce Singapore (WSG)**. That means [retrenchment](https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/blog/ws-143)can hit even the most competent professionals. The only defence is foresight. ## ![MoM Services Centre | Santarli Construction – Construction Company Singapore](https://www.santarli.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Santarli-Our-Projects-MoM-Service-Centre.jpg) ## **Spot the Red Flags Early** Employment lawyer **Amarjit Kaur** stresses that retrenchment seldom arrives without signs. Key red flags include: | **Potential Signal** | **What It Could Mean** | | --- | --- | | Sudden cost-cutting on travel, training or headcount | Financial pressure or restructuring | | Increased outsourcing or offshoring | Role duplication risk | | Repeated reorganisations and reduced communication | Strategic pivots | | Declining morale or budget cuts in your department | Imminent layoffs | None of these guarantee retrenchment, but ignoring them removes your ability to act early. ## **Legal Steps: Protect Your Leverage Before You’re Let Go** When the HR call arrives, the power imbalance can be severe. Amarjit recommends three immediate rules: 1. **Ask for time** — never sign a retrenchment or separation agreement on the spot. Most companies expect negotiation; request at least a few days to review. 2. **Seek professional advice** — employment lawyers can identify unclaimed entitlements such as notice pay, unused leave, or stock options. 3. **Negotiate respectfully** — frame discussions around *mutual benefit*, not confrontation. Example: “I’m happy to complete this project for a smoother transition if we can extend medical coverage till year-end.”   ### **Common Items Worth Negotiating** 1. Extension of medical insurance until new coverage begins 2. Retention of company laptop or phone for job search use 3. Waiver or shortening of non-compete clauses 4. Vesting of near-mature stock options (“ask even if it’s rare,” says Amarjit) 5. Positive reference or agreed HR wording for future employers These small wins cost companies little but protect the employee’s transition. ![end-of-the-line-2026-01-09-09-27-49-utc](https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/hs-fs/hubfs/end-of-the-line-2026-01-09-09-27-49-utc.jpg?width=777&height=485&name=end-of-the-line-2026-01-09-09-27-49-utc.jpg) ## **Your Retrenchment-Ready Checklist** Every professional — not just those at risk — should maintain the following records **off company systems**: | **Item** | **Why It Matters** | | --- | --- | | Employment contract and bonus terms | To verify notice and severance rights | | Payslips and CPF contributions | For income proof and claims | | Leave and medical balance | To ensure full payout | | Appraisal reports and client commendations | To prove performance if challenged | | Stock option or ESOP details | To confirm vesting and expiry terms | > **Important:** Do not forward work emails or client data to personal accounts. Screenshot non-confidential commendations (e.g., praise from colleagues) but avoid breaching data policy — misconduct can nullify compensation. ![cropped-shot-of-young-fired-businesswoman-holding-2026-03-12-23-49-56-utc](https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cropped-shot-of-young-fired-businesswoman-holding-2026-03-12-23-49-56-utc.jpg?width=777&height=519&name=cropped-shot-of-young-fired-businesswoman-holding-2026-03-12-23-49-56-utc.jpg) ## **Financial Preparation: Build a Six-Month Cushion** As Brandon Lee cautions, “Looking for work is work — and it’s hard work.” A retrenchment fund should cover at least **six months of essential expenses**, including: - Mortgage or rent - Insurance premiums - Utilities and family expenses - Existing loan repayments Use tools like **MAS MoneySense**’s budget calculator to size your emergency fund. Consider shifting savings into more liquid instruments (e.g. high-yield savings or SSBs) while keeping CPF untouched for long-term needs. ## **Career Defence: Network, Upskill, and Stay Visible** Both experts agree that employability depends less on seniority and more on **skill relevance** and **visibility**. ### **1. Build and Maintain a Network** Amarjit calls it *“strategic friendships”*. Cultivate allies across departments and industries before you need them. People are more willing to help colleagues they know and like. ### **2. Skill-Stack for Future Resilience** Echoing Warren Buffett’s idea of “skill stacking,” Amarjit advises diversifying your expertise — not just learning more in your current field. Combine complementary skills (e.g. finance + AI, marketing + data analytics) to make yourself harder to replace. ### **3. Benchmark Your Market Value** Regularly review job listings and salary data from sites like **MyCareersFuture** and **Glassdoor**. Knowing your market worth keeps you ready to negotiate — and aware of shifting trends. ![sad-upset-businessman-sitting-hopelessly-on-stair-2026-03-13-04-39-05-utc](https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/hs-fs/hubfs/sad-upset-businessman-sitting-hopelessly-on-stair-2026-03-13-04-39-05-utc.jpg?width=777&height=518&name=sad-upset-businessman-sitting-hopelessly-on-stair-2026-03-13-04-39-05-utc.jpg) ## **When Retrenchment Happens: Emotional and Professional Recovery** Retrenchment often triggers identity loss, especially for mid-career professionals. Both guests recommend allowing space for emotion, but staying action-oriented: > “Deal with your emotions — but channel your energy into productive steps,” says Amarjit. “Ask for help, apply for jobs, talk to your network.” **WSG’s career centres** and **MyCareersFuture** portal offer complimentary services including: - Personalised career coaching - Training grants under the **SGUnited** and **SkillsFuture** initiatives - Job matching and career fairs These government resources can significantly shorten re-employment time. ## **FAQs** **1. How long do I have to respond to a retrenchment offer?** Ask for at least 3–5 working days. Legally, you’re not required to sign immediately. **2. Can I still claim stock options if I’m retrenched?** Usually not unless vested, but you can request partial vesting as a goodwill gesture. **3. What if I’m pressured to resign instead of being retrenched?** That may qualify as *constructive dismissal*. Seek legal counsel before agreeing. **4. How soon should I look for a new job?** Start networking before retrenchment. Those who begin early re-enter employment 3–6 months faster on average. **5. Where can I get help?** Visit Workforce Singapore’s Career Connect or the Employment Claims Tribunals (ECT) for disputes. **![law-theme-mallet-of-the-judge-law-enforcement-of-2026-03-19-03-13-59-utc](https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/hs-fs/hubfs/law-theme-mallet-of-the-judge-law-enforcement-of-2026-03-19-03-13-59-utc.jpg?width=777&height=517&name=law-theme-mallet-of-the-judge-law-enforcement-of-2026-03-19-03-13-59-utc.jpg)** ## **Second-Order Implications for Singaporeans** - **White-collar retrenchments** are rising in tech and finance; even growth sectors may restructure for efficiency. - **Employability resilience** is a new form of financial planning — as vital as insurance or CPF savings. - **Networking and visibility** will matter more than tenure; the “lifetime job” is gone, but lifelong employability is achievable. Let us know what you think about this topic, and what do you want to hear next. You can now be our community contributor and make a [pitch](https://thefinancialcoconut.com/contact/)to have your favourite personality be on our show. Join our [community group](https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2-JSYItZawSUnNP4YhAicLp0H2wXwx8EBmQgbzOJrjA6YRiPWXtFDSH4_aem_t1DMRY5jrSAapreaSX9ntw) and drop us your insights on this topic. ###### **Sources:** - Ministry of Manpower (MOM), *Labour Market Report 2024* - Workforce Singapore (WSG), *Career Resilience and Employability Programmes* - The Straits Times, *Singapore Retrenchment Trends 2024* - MoneySense, *Financial Planning for Job Loss* ### Stay ahead in your financial journey! 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