The Singapore Government has recently accepted the National Wages Council (NWC)’s 2012/2013 recommendations for built-in wage increases, particularly for low-wage workers.
In a bid to redistribute a fair share of the company’s productivity gains to workers, NWC has proposed that employers inject a S$50 wage increment for employees earning up to S$1,000. Singapore companies that are faring well are encouraged to contribute a higher wage increment.
Singapore Company Registration specialist Rikvin supports the move and is optimistic that the wage increase will not hurt small businesses that are concerned with losing business when they push higher costs to the consumer. Rikvin advises small businesses to tap the PIC Scheme Guide to cope with a new demand of a future-ready workforce and more value-added business activities.
Mr. Satish Bakhda, Head of Rikvin’s Operations said, “First of all and in light of a 3.5 – 4.5% inflation this year, it is unethical to deny workers this nominal increment. Furthermore, as our economy moves towards more value-added business activities, it is crucial to ensure that both businesses and workers upskill themselves so that a win-win situation arises. Small firms should change tack and take advantage of the PIC Scheme that is meant to give them a leg up, especially in the context of lower supply of low-skilled foreign workers. This way, employers can play a role in growing real wages of Singapore workers in a sustainable manner.”
The PIC Scheme grants every Singapore company to enjoy a 400% tax deduction or a 60% cash payout option when they invest in six qualifying productivity-enhancing and innovation activities namely:
- Acquisition or leasing of prescribed automation equipment
- Training of employees
- Research and development activities
- Acquisition of Intellectual Property Rights
- Registration of patents, trademarks, designs and plant varieties and
- Investment in approved design projects.
According to Rikvin’s PIC Claims Chart, Singapore firms that plan their productivity and innovation strategies ahead of time are in good stead to reap up to S$9.6 million worth in tax savings. This is possible as they can estimate their taxable income and make provisions for investments in qualifying activities at the time of annual budgeting.
“More importantly, when Singapore firms tap the PIC Scheme, they will have no excuse not to have their cake and eat it too. Not only can they train their employees to become more productive and value-added workers and at little cost to themselves; they can also engage in a variety of activities to operate their businesses in more efficient and smarter ways. It remains to be seen whether more small companies will take on this challenge to change their mode of thought and reflect on their contribution to building a more inclusive society. However, we are optimistic that companies that do take this road will be rewarded,” affirmed Mr. Bakhda.
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