The National Wages Council (NWC) has completed its deliberations on wage and wage-related guidelines for 2009/2010.

It recommends that employers, unions and the government press on with concerted actions recommended in NWC's January 2009 guidelines to cut costs, save jobs and enhance competitiveness.

For companies whose business, profitability and/or prospects are affected by the economic downturn, the NWC recommends that they could, in consultation with their unions/workers, implement a wage freeze or wage cut in line with their performance and prospects, in order to help companies stay competitive and save jobs.

Companies which perform well should reward their workers with moderate wage increases, preferably in the form of variable payment, so that their long-term cost competitiveness would not be affected.

It also endorses the updated Tripartite Guidelines and strongly urges companies with excess manpower to implement the various recommended measures such as shorter work week, temporary layoffs, no pay leave, and other work arrangements as alternatives to retrenchments.

The council reiterated that in implementing such measures, including wage freeze or cut, management is to lead by example.

Employers and unions/workers are urged to continue to tap on the various tripartite measures and initiatives available to manage the impact of the downturn, reduce costs and minimise job losses.

Goveernments and companies are also urged to continue to look at ways to reduce non-wage costs so as to lower the overall business costs and enhance Singapore's competitiveness.

Meanwhile, job seekers are advised to adjust their expectations and make career switches, if necessary, to take up available jobs. Employers too, should be open to taking in workers with little or no relevant experience, and set appropriate employment terms reflecting the market realities of their sectors.

The NWC recommendations cover the period from 1 July 2009 to 30 June 2010.