WAGE INCREASES
From Sep 1, eligible entry-level retail workers such as cashiers and retail assistants will see their monthly gross wages increase from S$2,175 (US$1,690) to S$2,305. This baseline wage will rise annually by S$130 to S$2,565 from Sep 1, 2027.
The hourly wage of entry-level retail workers, which applies to part-timers who work less than 35 hours a week, will also increase accordingly, from S$11.41 to S$12.09 next month, to S$13.45 from Sep 1, 2027.
Under the plan, monthly wages for senior cashiers and senior retail assistants will rise from S$2,395 to S$2,535 next month, then to S$2,680 in 2026, and S$2,820 in 2027.
These workers will receive annual wage increases of either S$140 or S$145, while those who work hourly will see their gross wages rise from S$12.56 to S$13.30 next month, and continue to increase over the following two years.
Meanwhile, assistant retail supervisors will see their monthly wages rise by S$155 in September, S$160 in 2026 and S$150 in 2027, while their hourly wages will climb from S$13.82 to S$16.26 over the three-year period.
The wages in the third year of implementation – starting Sep 1, 2027 – are subject to review in 2026. They may be raised if the economic situation improves, said MOM.
Minister of State for Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash said the new PWM schedule takes into consideration uncertainties in the global environment.
He said the government is watching the economic outlook very closely, pointing to the trade sector in particular.
“If there’s a requirement for us to make further changes along the way, we will consider that as well,” said Mr Dinesh.
He added that the new three-year wage schedule was an opportunity for retailers to look at their business processes and find ways to be more efficient and productive, while uplifting workers’ skills.
Asked about the possibility of retailers passing on the cost of progressive wages to customers, Mr Dinesh said that government co-funding provided “buffers”.
“This will defray costs that the employers will have to bear themselves. So there’s no reason for employers to be sending the full extent of the increase of wages to the customers directly,” he said.
