Oral reply to PQ on Dispute resolution agency for self-employed persons including platform workers

Question:

Ms Yeo Wan Ling: To ask the Minister for Energy, Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) whether there are plans to provide an avenue similar to that provided by the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) for self-employed persons, including private-hire car drivers, to seek assistance against unfair commercial practices where transactions fall outside CASE’s consumer remit and pursuing civil remedies may be costly or disproportionate to the sums in dispute.

Oral Answer (to be attributed to Minister for Energy, Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) Dr Tan See Leng

1.       There are established mechanisms to resolve commercial disputes. Depending on the nature of the dispute, the Small Claims Tribunals provide a faster and less expensive process than a civil trial for claims of up to $30,000. Selfemployed persons, including private-hire vehicle drivers, who require legal assistance may explore the legal aid, pro bono and legal clinic services available, including those offered by Pro Bono SG.