S$80K fundraiser launched to support 80 Twelve Cupcakes staff left unpaid after closure
Around 80 former Twelve Cupcakes staff lost their jobs and pay after the chain shut on 29 October 2025. A fundraiser by Makan Minum Workers aims to raise S$80,000 for essentials like rent, food, and transport. Migrant workers face added pressure as they risk repatriation without new jobs.
- A grassroots F&B workers’ collective has launched a fundraiser to support roughly 80 former Twelve Cupcakes staff left unpaid after the chain’s sudden closure.
- The campaign seeks to raise S$80,000 and has collected over S$14,600 as of 14 November 2025 noon.
- Government agencies and unions are investigating potential wage breaches and criticising the abrupt shutdown.
SINGAPORE: A grassroots fundraising drive has begun to support about 80 former employees of Twelve Cupcakes, who were left without pay after the chain ceased operations on 29 October 2025.
According to organisers from the F&B workers’ collective Makan Minum Workers, the campaign seeks to raise S$80,000 to help affected staff manage their essential expenses.
The fundraiser was launched last week on the crowdfunding platform Chuffed.
As of 14 November 2025 noon, it has garnered more than S$14,600.
Makan Minum Workers stated that the full amount raised will be directed to former employees.
Funds will cover basic needs such as rent, food, and transport while workers search for new jobs.
The organisers explained that many workers are the primary earners for their households.
They said the sudden job loss has left them unable to meet immediate living costs.
“Workers are also actively looking for jobs to re-secure their rice bowls,” the collective noted in its campaign statement.
It added that migrant workers must secure new employment soon or risk being sent home without income.
Several migrant workers were among those affected, facing the possibility of repatriation if they cannot quickly obtain fresh work permits.
The target of S$80,000 was proposed by former staff, aiming to provide S$1,000 to each worker.
According to the organisers, this amount would cover about a month’s rent and basic necessities.
MOM investigates sudden closure of Twelve Cupcakes amid worker pay dispute
Twelve Cupcakes, previously acquired by Kolkata-based Dhunseri Group, closed abruptly.
About 80 employees were still at work when liquidators arrived on 29 October 2025.
Later that evening, at around 8pm, workers reportedly received a WhatsApp message stating that their employment had ended immediately.
They were also informed that they would not receive payment until liquidation concluded, a process estimated to take six months.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has launched a formal investigation into the circumstances of the closure.
Officials cited potential breaches relating to unpaid wages.
In a joint statement on 31 October, MOM and the CPF Board said the Board will file a claim with the liquidator.
This is intended 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.
Organisers hope the collected funds will offer temporary relief to affected workers as official investigations proceed.
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