Singapore’s Jollibean Foods was fined S$68,000 on 7 October after a court found the company guilty of failing to pay Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions for its employees, with arrears amounting to more than S$212,000.
Jollibean Fined S$68,000 for Failing to Pay Employees’ CPF Contributions
| Key Fact | Detail/Statistic |
|---|---|
| Fine imposed | S$68,000 |
| CPF arrears owed | S$212,295 |
| Court order deadline | 22 October 2025 (fine payment) |
| Official Website | CNA |
The case underscores Singapore’s tough stance on CPF compliance and highlights the risks workers face when employers neglect statutory obligations. For Jollibean, the next steps hinge on whether it can settle both the fine and the arrears by the court’s deadline.
Why Jollibean Was Fined
The Central Provident Fund (CPF) is Singapore’s compulsory social security savings scheme. Employers are legally required to make monthly contributions for their employees.
According to court proceedings, Jollibean Foods failed to pay contributions between 2020 and 2023, resulting in outstanding arrears of S$212,295. The company pleaded guilty to 34 charges under the CPF Act.
District Judge John Ng issued a certificate of liability for the arrears and ordered Jollibean to pay a S$68,000 fine by 22 October 2025.
Timeline of Events
- 2020–2023: CPF contributions not paid for employees.
- 2024: Case brought to court; multiple adjournments granted.
- 7 October 2025: Jollibean fined S$68,000 and certificate of liability issued.
- 22 October 2025: Deadline to pay fine. CPF arrears remain outstanding.
What Happens Next
Enforcement Actions
If Jollibean does not pay the fine or CPF arrears, the CPF Board can pursue enforcement measures, including asset seizure or garnishment orders. Employers who default may also face additional penalties, including imprisonment in serious cases, under the CPF Act.
Employee Rights
Workers affected by unpaid CPF contributions can:
- Report non-payment directly to the CPF Board.
- File claims with the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM), which may escalate cases to the Employment Claims Tribunals.
- Seek statutory interest on delayed contributions, currently set at 1.5% per month.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has reiterated that CPF contributions are a legal obligation, not an optional benefit.
Broader Context
Non-payment of CPF contributions is a recurring labour issue in Singapore, especially among small and medium-sized enterprises. The CPF Board reported over 1,000 employers penalised annually for late or unpaid contributions.
Labour rights experts note that such cases undermine employees’ retirement savings and healthcare security. Professor Walter Theseira, an economist at the Singapore University of Social Sciences, told CNA in an earlier interview that CPF arrears “represent not only lost income but also a loss of compounding retirement savings over time.”
The government has been strengthening enforcement by introducing higher fines and faster recovery processes in recent years.
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FAQs About Jollibean Fined S$68,000 for Failing to Pay Employees’ CPF Contributions
1. What is the Central Provident Fund (CPF) and why is it important?
The Central Provident Fund (CPF) is Singapore’s mandatory savings scheme that supports citizens and permanent residents in retirement, housing, and healthcare. Employers must contribute monthly. Failure to do so reduces workers’ long-term savings and access to essential benefits.
2. What happens when an employer fails to pay CPF contributions?
Employers who do not pay CPF are in breach of the CPF Act. They can face fines of up to S$10,000 per offence, imprisonment for up to seven years, or both. Late contributions also incur 1.5% monthly interest until fully paid.
3. How can employees check if their CPF contributions are missing?
Workers can log into the CPF Board’s website or mobile app to view their contribution history. Any discrepancies should be documented immediately with payslips, contracts, or bank statements before reporting the issue.
4. What steps can employees take to recover unpaid CPF contributions?
Affected employees should:
Lodge a report with the CPF Board.
File a claim with the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM).
Escalate unresolved cases to the Employment Claims Tribunals (ECT), which can issue enforceable orders against the employer.
5. Will the fine imposed on Jollibean cover the unpaid CPF contributions?
No. The S$68,000 fine is a penalty for breaking the law. The S$212,295 in arrears remains a separate liability that Jollibean must repay to the CPF Board. Employees will only receive their owed CPF contributions if the company settles its arrears.
