Suffering from a payment dispute? Explore the Voluntary Mediation service as an alternative to the Small Claims Tribunal.
Today, Self-Employed Persons (SEPs) can have their payment disputes heard at the Small Claims Tribunals. However, some SEPs are concerned that taking their service buyer to court would jeopardise their future work opportunities, particularly if the industry is small. 2. SEPs with sector agencies1 can continue to approach their sector agencies to resolve disputes with service buyers. With immediate effect, other SEPs can approach the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) for voluntary mediation services when they encounter payment disputes with service buyers.
Coverage of SEPs
The voluntary mediation service will be available for SEPs who:
- Are Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents and
- Operate their own trade or business without hiring any employees.
The dispute should be between an SEP and a business that is registered or incorporated in Singapore.
Request for Mediation
SEPs can request for mediation by making an appointment with TADM via their
website (http://www.tadm.sg/eservices/make-or-manage-appointment/).
The appointment will take place at TADM's office at Devan Nair Institute for Employment and Employability. A registration fee of up to $60 will be payable for mediation, depending on the payment amount in dispute.
Upon successful mediation, a mediated settlement agreement will be signed between both parties. SEPs may register the settlement agreement at the State Courts. This gives the settlement agreement the effect of a court order which can be enforced, for example, through a Writ of Seizure and Sale if the service buyer does not pay.
