A hearing is a session in which a tribunal magistrate will hear the parties' cases and make a determination on the dispute. During the hearing, both the Claimant and Respondent will have the opportunity to present their evidence and arguments.

The hearing is conducted informally, and the tribunal magistrate will adopt a judge-led approach – identifying the relevant issues and ensuring that the relevant evidence is adduced by the parties. The tribunal magistrate is not bound by the rules of evidence and may inquire into any matter which the tribunal magistrate considers relevant to the claim. After considering all the evidence and submissions, the tribunal magistrate will make an order to resolve the dispute. This may include orders for the payment of money, the dismissal of the claim, the payment of costs, or (in wrongful dismissal cases) reinstatement.

A full list of potential orders which the tribunal can make is found here: https://www.judiciary.gov.sg/civil/at-employment-claims-hearing. It is mandatory for both the Claimant and Respondent to attend the hearing.

For more information about what to expect at an ECT hearing, please click this link: https://www.judiciary.gov.sg/civil/at-employment-claims-hearing