diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 6032725a..691580a9 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -273,7 +273,7 @@ functions:
   hello:
     handler: handler.hello
     layers:
-      - Ref: PythonRequirementsLambdaLayer
+      - ${cf:<stack-name>-${self:provider.stage}.PythonRequirementsLambdaLayerQualifiedArn}
 ```
 
 If the layer requires additional or custom configuration, add them onto the `layer` option.
@@ -289,6 +289,7 @@ custom:
       licenseInfo: GPLv3
       allowedAccounts:
         - '*'
+      retain: false
 ```
 
 ## Omitting Packages
diff --git a/lib/layer.js b/lib/layer.js
index 6fe9ca4c..23082829 100644
--- a/lib/layer.js
+++ b/lib/layer.js
@@ -74,6 +74,10 @@ function createLayers() {
       description:
         'Python requirements generated by serverless-python-requirements.',
       compatibleRuntimes: [this.serverless.service.provider.runtime],
+      retain:
+        this.options.layer.retain !== undefined && this.options.layer.retain
+          ? true
+          : false,
     },
     this.options.layer
   );