Expansion of Progressive Wage approach and coverage

Implemented recommendations from the 2021 Tripartite Workgroup on Lower-Wage Workers

On 30 August 2021, the Government accepted all 18 recommendations made by the Workgroup. These recommendations were fully implemented by July 2023, including the key recommendations below.

Expanded PWM to new sectors and occupations

• 1 September 2022: Introduced Retail PWM, and expanded Cleaning, Security and Landscape PWM to cover local in-house employees
• 1 March 2023: Introduced Food Services PWM and Occupational Progressive Wages (OPW) for administrators and drivers
• 1 July 2023: Introduced Waste Management PWM

Introduced PWM as a requirement for hiring foreign workers

From 1 September 2022, firms employing foreign workers need to fulfil both conditions:

• Pay at least the relevant PWM wages to local employees covered by PWMs or OPW
• Pay at least the Local Qualifying Salary to all other local employees

These requirements may be pro-rated for part-time work or increase due to overtime work. Firms that do not comply with the requirements will not be able to renew existing work passes or apply for new work passes.

Expanded PWM to pest management sector

On 15 July 2026, tripartite partners announced the expansion of PWM to the pest management sector. The Tripartite Cluster for Pest Management will be set up to develop and oversee the implementation of the PWM.

More info

Read the press releases on:

• PWM recommendations for waste management workers
• PWM recommendations for retail workers
• PWM recommendations for food services workers
• The expansion of PWM to the pest management sector