The Financial Coconut Podcast Before You Get Retrenched: What Every Professional Should Prepare Now [W&S 143]
Oct 26, 2025
Amarjit Kaur, Head of Employment Law at Withers Singapore, shares essential legal insights on retrenchment and employee rights. Brandon Lee, Assistant Chief Executive at Workforce Singapore, discusses the importance of upskilling and employability in a shifting job market. Together, they explore the early warning signs of retrenchment, effective negotiation tactics post-notice, and how to build resilience through skill stacking. Their engaging dialogue emphasizes turning potential job loss into an opportunity for growth, offering practical advice for professionals.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Delay Signing To Preserve Leverage
- Ask for more time before signing any exit document so you can read, consult family, and seek legal advice.
- Two weeks is a reasonable request; 24–48 hours is the pressure tactic companies often use.
Retrenchment Is Often Strategic, Not Personal
- Retrenchment often stems from organisational pivots and role redundancy, not individual performance.
- Strong performers and senior leaders can be cut because of changing business priorities.
Ask For Low-Cost High-Value Concessions
- Negotiate non-cost items first: ask to waive non-competes, extend medical cover, and secure a written reference.
- Then request paid items like prorated bonuses or accelerated stock vesting so you don't leave money on the table.
