Retail firms still need to improve non-wage perks to draw workers, say industry watchers

RETAIL firms hoping to attract more locals to join the sector with the roll-out of the Progressive Wage Model (PWM) would also need to improve non-wage factors such as progression and flexible work, industry watchers told The Business Times.

From Sep 1, retail workers will be paid a minimum monthly gross salary of S$1,850, with the amount set to rise 8.4-8.5 per cent each year over the next 3 years under the model.

But for a sector already squeezed by severe labour shortages, the wage hike alone may not be enough to draw locals, recruiters said.