Retail workers in S'pore to make minimum of S$2,565 per month by 2027

From Sep. 1, more than 53,000 retail workers will be covered by sustainable wage increases with targeted training and a clear career pathway under the Retail Progressive Wage Model (PWM).

The retail PWM, which was accepted by the government under the Tripartite Cluster for Retail (TCR)’s recommendations, will provide a three-year schedule of sustained wage increases from 2025 to 2027.

The PWM will apply to more than 53,000 resident full-time and part-time retail workers.

Baseline monthly gross wage increase

From Sep. 1, retail workers will earn at least the entry-level PWM wage of S$2,305, an increase from the existing PWM wage of S$2,175.

From 2025 to 2027, the baseline monthly gross wages will increase from S$2,305 to S$2,565.

Retail workers can expect a year-on-year wage increase of up to S$160 in the next three years.

PWM wage from Sep. 1, 2027 is subject to a review in 2026. Should the economic situation improve, the PWM Baseline Gross Wage for the year 2027 may be adjusted upwards.

The TCR three-year wage schedule recommendation also includes an additional wage requirement for overtime hours.

An Hourly Gross Wage is also applicable to part-time workers who work less than 35 hours a week.

Continued support for employers

A transitionary support will be provided for employers to adjust to the PWM wage increases.

Eligible employers will automatically receive co-funding support under the Progressive Wage Credit Scheme (PWCS) until 2026.

The PWCS will co-fund up to 40 per cent of wage increases given to lower-wage workers in 2025, and 20 per cent in 2026.

This will alleviate cost pressures, while enabling businesses to drive transformation efforts to enhance productivity and raise wages sustainably.

Expand training

There will also be an expansion to the list of Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ) training modules that qualify for meeting the minimum PWM training requirement of completing one WSQ training module for all job roles.

Retail workers who hold relevant qualifications from Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL) or have attained the ITE Skills Subject Certificate (ISSC) in Retail & e-Commerce will also be recognised as having met the minimum PWM training requirements.

Top image via Anantachai Saothong/Unsplash