Ninja Van Announces 12% Staff Reduction in Latest Singapore Layoffs

Ninja Van Layoffs: Union Steps In to Support Affected Workers

Ninja Van recently informed the Supply Chain Employees’ Union (SCEU) of a workforce reduction, impacting some of its employees. While the company isn’t unionized, the SCEU, an NTUC-affiliated union, is actively assisting its members affected by the retrenchment.

According to Mr. Andy Ang, assistant executive secretary of the SCEU, ninja Van demonstrated a commitment to minimizing job losses by exploring all available options, including redeploying some workers to different roles within the association.

For those employees who couldn’t be redeployed, the SCEU engaged wiht Ninja Van to secure fair compensation packages, aligning with the Tripartite Advisory on Managing Excess Manpower and Responsible Retrenchment.The union is now focused on providing comprehensive support to its members navigating this transition.

This support includes connecting affected workers with the extensive network of the labor movement, particularly NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute). Career coaches were dispatched to Ninja Van’s facilities to offer immediate career guidance and advice.

“We’re committed to providing ongoing support even after the initial retrenchment exercise,” Mr. Ang stated. “e2i career coaches will continue to follow up with individuals, offering personalized guidance to help them find new opportunities.”

Recognizing the emotional toll of job loss, the College of Allied Educators provided pro-bono counselling services to support the overall well-being of affected workers.

Singaporean citizens who are impacted by the layoffs may be eligible for the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme, which offers temporary financial assistance of up to S$6,000 (US$4,600) over six months. This support is contingent on participation in e2i’s job search activities and meeting monthly point requirements.

Furthermore, eligible union members can leverage the Union Training Assistance Program to offset the costs of skills upgrading, enabling them to enhance their employability in the current job market. The SCEU is dedicated to ensuring its members have the resources they need to successfully navigate this challenging period and secure future employment.

What specific departments within Ninja Van were most affected by the 12% staff reduction?

The Scope of the Layoffs & Impact on Singapore’s Logistics Sector

Ninja Van, a leading last-mile logistics provider in Southeast Asia, has announced a 12% reduction in its workforce in Singapore. This latest round of Singapore layoffs impacts various departments within the company, signaling a broader recalibration amidst evolving market conditions. The cuts, confirmed on August 12, 2025, affect approximately 260 employees. This follows similar workforce adjustments across the tech and logistics industries in recent months, reflecting a challenging economic climate and shifting consumer behavior. The ninja van layoffs are part of a strategic move to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.

Reasons Behind the Restructuring

Several factors contributed to Ninja Van’s decision to reduce its staff. These include:

Economic Slowdown: A general slowdown in the global and regional economies has impacted e-commerce growth,a key driver for logistics companies like ninja Van.

Increased Competition: The logistics industry in Singapore is highly competitive, with established players and emerging startups vying for market share.

Automation & Efficiency Drives: ninja Van is investing in automation and technology to improve operational efficiency, reducing the need for certain roles. This includes advancements in warehouse automation and route optimization.

Over-Hiring During Pandemic Boom: Like many companies, Ninja Van experienced rapid growth during the pandemic-induced e-commerce boom and may have over-hired in anticipation of sustained growth.

Focus on Profitability: A renewed emphasis on achieving profitability and enduring growth is driving cost-cutting measures across the organization.

Affected Departments & Employee Support

While Ninja van has not publicly disclosed a detailed breakdown of the affected departments, reports indicate that the layoffs span across functions including:

Operations: Roles related to sorting, delivery, and warehouse management.

Technology: Positions within the engineering and IT teams.

Support Functions: Including human resources, finance, and marketing.

Ninja Van has stated that it is committed to supporting affected employees with:

Severance Packages: Providing financial compensation based on tenure and role.

outplacement Services: Offering assistance with resume writing, job searching, and career counseling.

Benefits Continuation: Extending health insurance and other benefits for a specified period.

Internal Opportunities: Exploring potential internal transfers where feasible.

Industry Reactions & Future Outlook for Logistics in Singapore

The Ninja Van staff reduction has sparked discussion within the Singapore business community and the wider logistics sector. Industry analysts suggest that this move is indicative of a broader trend of consolidation and restructuring within the industry.

Impact on Job Market: The layoffs contribute to the growing number of job losses in Singapore,especially in the tech and logistics sectors.

Increased Focus on Tech: The emphasis on automation and technology suggests that future job growth in logistics will be concentrated in areas requiring specialized skills.

Consolidation Potential: Experts predict further consolidation within the logistics industry as companies seek to achieve economies of scale and improve profitability.

E-commerce Trends: The long-term outlook for the logistics sector remains positive, driven by continued growth in e-commerce, but the pace of growth is expected to moderate.

Case Study: Similar Layoffs in the Region

In February 2024, regional competitor J&T Express also announced meaningful layoffs across several Southeast Asian markets, including Indonesia and Vietnam. This mirrored a similar trend of cost-cutting and restructuring in response to challenging economic conditions and increased competition. The J&T Express situation highlights the vulnerability of logistics companies to economic fluctuations and the importance of adapting to changing market dynamics. This demonstrates a pattern of logistics company restructuring across the region.

Resources for Job Seekers in Singapore

For individuals affected by the Ninja van layoffs or seeking opportunities in the logistics sector, the following resources are available:

MyCareersFuture: Singapore’s national jobs bank (https://www.mycareersfuture.gov.sg/)

LinkedIn: A professional networking platform for job searching and career development (https://www.linkedin.com/)

* Workforce Singapore (WSG): Government