Key Points
- Singapore’s NWC will commence its 2025–2026 wage review on September 1, 2025.
- The guidelines will be in effect from December 1, 2025, through November 30, 2026.
- The review will assess inflation, productivity, and labor market trends.
- Progressive Wage measures will remain a central focus.
Overview
The Singapore National Wages Council (NWC) will commence its annual review on September 1, 2025, to develop wage guidelines for the period from December 1, 2025, through November 30, 2026. The council brings together representatives from employers, unions, and government to evaluate economic and labor market conditions and recommend adjustments to support wage growth and business sustainability.
The NWC’s review will focus on balancing inflationary pressures, productivity gains, and overall labor market trends. The upcoming guidelines are expected to include updates to Singapore’s Progressive Wage measures, a framework designed to uplift lower-wage workers by setting sector-specific minimum pay benchmarks while encouraging productivity improvements.
Public participation has also been invited, with individuals and organizations able to submit feedback on wage-related matters through the NWC portal by September 1, 2025. Final recommendations are expected by November 2025 and will take effect starting in December.
This process highlights Singapore’s tripartite approach to wage-setting, ensuring that guidelines remain relevant to both employees and employers while supporting long-term competitiveness. For more insights on regional employment policy, see Corporate Immigration Partners’ Singapore updates.
Looking Ahead
Employers should monitor the release of the 2025–2026 NWC wage guidelines to prepare for potential adjustments to compensation structures. Companies with lower-wage workers should pay particular attention to Progressive Wage updates to ensure compliance with these updates. The final recommendations, once published, will shape employment practices for the year ahead.
