The Progressive Wage Model (PWM) helps to increase wages of workers through upgrading skills and improving productivity.
What is it
Developed by tripartite committees consisting of unions, employers and the government, the PWM helps to uplift lower-wage workers' wages.
Since being implemented, PWM sectors have raised wages at a sustainable and meaningful pace, without hurting the livelihoods of the lower-wage workers.
The PWM benefits workers by mapping out a clear career pathway for their wages to rise along with training and improvements in productivity and standards.
At the same time, higher productivity improves business profits for employers. Service buyers also enjoy better service standards and quality.
Who it covers
The PWM covers Singapore citizens and Singapore permanent residents (PRs) in the Sectoral PWs for cleaning, security and landscape.
Employers are encouraged to use the principles of progressive wage for your foreign cleaners, security officers and landscape maintenance employees.
From 1 September 2022
From 1 September 2022, there will be an expansion of the PW approach and coverage.
When it took effect
Employers must have met the Sectoral PWM requirements by the following dates:
| Sector |
PWM requirements took effect from |
| Cleaning sector |
1 September 2014
Note: Wages increased further from 1 July 2017. |
| Security sector |
1 September 2016
Note: Wages increased further from 1 January 2019. |
| Landscape sector |
30 June 2016
Note: Wages increased further from 1 July 2020. |
How it is implemented
The Sectoral PWs in cleaning, security and landscape are regulated by the respective lead sector agencies through:
| Sector |
Regulated by |
| Cleaning |
Licensing condition by NEA |
| Security |
Licensing condition by PLRD (SPF) |
| Landscape |
Landscape Company Register requirement by NParks |
Sectoral PWs
View details of the PWM for each sector:
Find out more about upcoming Sectoral PWs and Occupational PWs.
Help for employers
If you are an employer, you can tap on the Workfare Skills Support scheme to offset a significant portion of the training costs for your Singaporean employees.
Visit the Business Grants Portal if you want to:
- Apply for support for job redesign.
- Raise productivity and build capabilities for sustainable growth.