Part-time security officers to come under purview of Singapore Security PWM

Correspondingly, a new part-time hourly rates schedule has been provided for security agency employers.

The scope of Singapore's Progressive Wage Model (PWM) for the security sector has been expanded to include more employees, i.e. security officers employed by security agencies on part-time and ad-hoc work arrangements, effective 1 January 2026.

This comes as the Government has accepted the recommendations by the Security Tripartite Cluster (STC), which sees the three-year schedule of sustained wage increases to be in place from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2028. 

Overall, the Security PWM has been in effect since 1 January 2024, providing a wage ladder for security officers employed by security agencies.

The STC plans to conduct a further review of the Security PWM in 2025. 

For convenience of our readers, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has provided clarity on the following terms to enhance understanding:

1. Security officer: This term refers specifically to individuals licensed under the Private Security Industry Act (2007). These officers are professionally regulated to ensure they meet industry standards and legal requirements.
2. Part-time employees: As defined by the Employment Act (EA), part-time employees are those engaged under a contract of service to work fewer than 35 hours per week. This designation ensures specific rights and benefits tailored to their employment arrangement.
3. Ad-hoc work arrangements: This refers to scenarios where security officers are employed for temporary or specific needs, such as events or heightened demand. If these officers work less than 35 hours per week, they are categorised as part-time workers under the EA.

Here is a refresher on the broader PWM concept:

The PWM aims to increase wages for lower-wage workers by improving skills and productivity.

Key features

• Employers must:

1. Pay at least the PWM wage for the worker's job level.
2. Meet PWM training requirements for eligible workers.

Developed by tripartite committees (unions, employers, government) to uplift wages for lower-wage workers.

Provides clear career pathways, wage growth, and skills development for workers.

Businesses see higher productivity, and consumers enjoy improved service standards.

Who is covered:

• Eligible workers: Singapore citizens and permanent residents working full-time or part-time under a contract of service.
• Foreign employees: Employers must comply with PWM and Local Qualifying Salary (LQS) requirements when renewing or applying for work passes.

Sectors with PWM requirements:

1. Cleaning sector: 1 September 2014 (Extension for in-house cleaners from 1 September 2022)
2. Security sector: 1 September 2016 (Extension for in-house security officers from 1 September 2022)
3. Landscape sector: 30 June 2016 (Extension for in-house landscape employees from 1 September 2022)
4. Lift & escalator sector: 1 May 2019
5. Retail sector: 1 September 2022
6. Food services sector: 1 March 2023
7. Occupational PWs for administrators & drivers: 1 March 2023
8. Waste management sector: 1 July 2023

Implementation:

• Regulated By:
  • Cleaning & waste management: Licensing by NEA
  • Security: Licensing by PLRD (SPF)
  • Landscape: Company register requirements
  • Lift & escalator: Contractor registration by BCA
  • Retail & food services: Industry-specific requirements
  • Occupational PWs for administrators and drivers: Industry-specific requirements

For more details on the PWM, click here. 

READ MORE: 3,500 persons with disabilities hired across Singapore's PWM sectors in 2024: MOM 

Infographic / MOM

Lead image / MOM Telegram