Local Cleaners Directly Hired by F&B Establishments and Outside Progressive Wage Model

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources what percentage of local cleaners are directly hired by food and beverage establishments such that they do not fall under the progressive wage model.

Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: We do not track the number of local cleaners being hired directly by food and beverage (F&B) establishments.

The Progressive Wage Model (PWM) applies only to local cleaners employed by cleaning businesses. The model does not apply to cleaners hired directly by F&B establishments, as unlike outsourced cleaners, they are not subject to the effects of cheap-sourcing that had depressed wages. Employers are nonetheless encouraged to upgrade their worker's skills and implement productivity-based wage progression in accordance with the key tenets of the PWM.

The Government will continue working closely with the Tripartite Cluster for Cleaners to ensure that the PWM for the cleaning sector remains relevant and aligned with the industry's transformation goals.