Retrenched. Replaced. Redundant.

What’s really happening in today’s job market?

If you’ve ever wondered:

👉 What happens when you’re being “managed out”?

👉 What’s the difference between retrenchment and redundancy?

👉 Or whether AI could actually replace you…

Then this episode is your wake-up call. ⚡

🎙️ Member of Parliament Patrick Tay joins Shulin Lee for a straight-talking conversation on:

✅ The hard truths behind retrenchment in Singapore

✅ What the Employment Act really covers (and doesn’t)

✅ How employers can handle exits with empathy

✅ Why unions and collective agreements still matter

✅ And how employees can stay relevant in a soft market

Patrick also breaks down what’s changing in our labour laws and how AI is rewriting the future of work.

Because here’s the truth:

No one’s job is 100% safe.

But those who understand the system… stay ahead of it.

🎧 Watch the full episode and tell us your biggest takeaway in the comments.

💬 Let’s talk about what job security really means in 2025.

#AfterTheBar #FutureOfWork #Retrenchment

Follow Patrick Tay:https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-tay-teck-guan-9880479

Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/ 

More on the podcast → https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg

Resources: 

• MOM | Tripartite Advisory on Managing Excess Manpower and Responsible Retrenchment

• Singapore Statutes Online | Employment Act 1968

• Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM)

• Employment Claims Tribunals (ECT)

• Workforce Singapore (WSG)

• SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG)

• Enterprise Singapore

What to listen for:

00:00 Start of Episode 

01:11 Introduction 

01:35 What Are Your Rights When Being "Managed Out"?

03:46 Retrenchment vs. Managing Out: Understanding the Difference

05:19 The Singapore Employment Act

06:43 The Role of Unions and Collective Agreements

10:23 How to Script a Retrenchment Conversation with Empathy

13:19 Early Notification and Supporting Employees

15:27 Mutual Separation Agreements

19:52 Cultivating Healthy Work Environment After Retrenchments

21:05 "Get Fired With Me" Trend

23:06 Advice for Business Owners Amidst Rising Costs

28:26 What Can Individuals Do When They Struggle to Find a Job?

35:31 The Importance of Managing Career Expectations

37:51 Why You Need a "Second Skill" to Stay Relevant

40:40 Counselling and Mentoring Services for Job Seekers

42:47 Upcoming Changes to the Singapore Employment Act

49:27 Are Freelancers Covered by the Employment Act?

53:06 The Real Impact of AI on the Job Market

58:37 What Should I Do When I’m Wrongfully Dismissed

01:06:01 Final Advice: The Three R's to Navigate Change

01:07:01 Rapid Fire Questions

01:09:34 Outro