SINGAPORE: The sudden closure of Twelve Cupcakes has sent shockwaves through its workforce, leaving approximately 80 employees scratching their heads and scrambling for new jobs with no prior notice.
On 29 October 2024, employees were jolted from their routines when liquidators entered the workplace around 5pm, delivering the grim news that the bakery chain was placed under provisional liquidation. Many staff members remarked it was like any other day until that point. One executive in her twenties shared, “It’s not even 24 hours (in advance). It’s like one hour before I end work.” The shock of losing their jobs on such short notice has sparked outrage.
Union’s Strong Objection
The Food, Drinks and Allied Workers Union (FDAWU) did not hold back in its criticism, stating the lack of advance consultation by the business owner was “completely unacceptable and unfair”. This abrupt decision has left workers with insufficient time to secure alternate employment and has drawn attention to their immediate financial insecurities.
- 80 employees affected, including kitchen staff, managers, and executives.
- Closure announced with effective date on 29 October.
- FDAWU has called for collaboration with the appointed liquidator to handle workers’ claims.
The Backstory
Twelve Cupcakes, founded in 2011 by former radio DJ Daniel Ong and his ex-wife Jaime Teo, initially gained fame as a symbol of Singapore’s entrepreneurial spirit. However, after their divorce in 2016, the business was sold to Dhunseri Group, an India-based conglomerate. There were indicators of financial difficulty, with a previous fine imposed in January 2021 for underpaying employees.
Voices of the Affected
Among the employees affected, a young baker who had just joined in early October expressed confusion over why he was hired just before the closure. “It’s very, very unfair,” he lamented. Another staff member, who noticed a lack of supplies in the kitchen for over a month, voiced his frustration: “If they had told us earlier, we would at least have had the chance to find another job.” Many now face uncertainty about their finances and housing rent.
The bakery chain’s abrupt end raises challenging questions about corporate responsibility and the treatment of employees. In a statement on its social media, Twelve Cupcakes apologised for the inconvenience caused, thanking its patrons for their past support, but no clear reasons for the closure were provided.