Singapore Court of Appeal awards S$3.2 million to ex-insurance agent for negligent employment reference check

31 Jan 2019

Employers often require job applicants to provide references from their former employers. Such references may serve as a basis for the prospective employer to assess the applicant’s character and abilities, and will likely have a bearing on the applicant’s chances of obtaining employment.
 
In a 2016 decision, the Singapore Court of Appeal confirmed that a duty of care may arise in such circumstance and clarified the standard of care owed by employers. On 4 October 2018, following a subsequent High Court decision on the assessment of damages, it was reported that the Court of Appeal awarded damages of S$3.2 million for the breach.
 
This judgment serves as a further reminder to employers of the potential implications of providing a negligent reference for an employee.
 
To find out more about this legal update and how it may affect your business, please click here.

Get in touch