Ex-Twelve Cupcakes workers say they were ‘left with nothing’ after sudden closure

SINGAPORE: Three former employees from Twelve Cupcakes have spoken publicly about the hardship they now face after the chain abruptly ceased operations and entered provisional liquidation on 29 October, leaving about 80 workers jobless without notice.

The workers — Rajesh, Vilma, and Mei — shared their experiences in an interview with the F&B labour collective Makan Minum Workers.

They said the sudden shutdown not only cost them their jobs but also left many struggling to pay for basic necessities and support their families.

One former staff member said they had dedicated themselves fully to the job, often skipping rest breaks to meet sales targets.

“We work so hard… when they tell us not to sit, we don’t take breaks just to push our sales. But they just treat us like we are rubbish. We were pushed aside and then left with nothing.”

Rajesh, who supports his entire household, said he does not know how to explain the situation to his family.

“Right now, I’m supporting my family members — we are six persons in my family. I’m the one who’s working, I’m the one who’s supporting my family. Now I don’t know how to answer to everyone.”

He said the abrupt dismissal has left workers scrambling to cover basic bills. “We are like beggars, asking around — can you please pay this, pay that.”

Rajesh added that management should have supported staff but have instead disappeared, despite being wealthy.

He noted that while bosses continue to enjoy comfortable lives and “nice dinners,” displaced workers are left wondering how they will cope with the next day.

Another former worker said her son is studying at university and she had relied on her salary to pay his tuition fees.

She added that she was shocked such a situation could occur in Singapore. “Especially knowing the Singapore government and the people here, I thought this wouldn’t happen here.”

A grassroots fundraiser has been launched to support the approximately 80 former Twelve Cupcakes employees who remain unpaid following the sudden closure.

Organised by Makan Minum Workers, the campaign aims to raise S$80,000 — a target proposed by former staff — to provide about S$1,000 to each worker to cover a month’s rent and basic necessities.

Funds will go towards essential expenses such as food, transport, and accommodation while workers search for new employment.

The crowdfunding effort, hosted on Chuffed, was launched last week. As of noon on 18 November 2025, it had collected more than S$18,700.

Organisers said the full amount raised will go directly to the affected workers.

MOM Investigating Sudden Shutdown of Twelve Cupcakes

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has launched a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding Twelve Cupcakes’ abrupt shutdown.

The chain, owned by Kolkata-based Dhunseri Group, ceased operations on 29 October while around 80 employees were still on duty.

That evening, at about 8pm, workers reportedly received a WhatsApp message informing them that their employment had ended with immediate effect.

They were also told that their salaries would not be paid until liquidation was completed, a process estimated to take six months.

Officials have cited potential breaches relating to unpaid wages. In a joint statement on 31 October, MOM and the CPF Board said the Board would file a claim with the liquidator to recover outstanding CPF contributions for September and October.

The Food, Drinks and Allied Workers Union (FDAWU) issued a statement on 30 October criticising the chain’s sudden shutdown.

The union described the closure as “unacceptable and unfair,” objecting to the absence of consultation or notice.

As investigations continue, organisers hope the fundraising campaign will provide temporary relief to the affected workers, many of whom remain uncertain about their future.