Call to cut wages of those working from home contested in Malaysia
The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has come under fire over a call to cut the wages of employees working from home.
160,000 employers in Hong Kong expected to seek wage subsidy
About 160,000 employers are expected to apply for the latest round of pandemic wage subsidies under the employment support scheme (ESS).
Permanent flexible work arrangements called for in Singapore
Even as the country eases workplace restrictions, employers are encouraged to permanently offer flexible work arrangements.
Malaysia’s work subsidy programme retains 2.96 million jobs
The government has channeled RM20.68 billion (US$4.78 billion) to 357,703 employers via its Wage Subsidy Programme (WSP) as of April 8.
China launches private pension scheme
China has launched the first private pension scheme in the country, paving the way for workers to invest and supplement funds in their pension accounts.
Indonesia pushes for gender indicators in business reports
B20 Indonesia has recommended including gender indicators in mandatory business reports for companies in G20 member countries.
Big companies in India continue hybrid work policies
In view of the recent spike in COVID-19 cases, companies are asking workers to continue work from home, or are adopting a hybrid system.
Impact of minimum wage hike concerns Vietnam companies
The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) has proposed that the increase in minimum wage be postponed till January 1 next year.
Japan running out of funds for parental leave allowances
The ballooning cost to provide allowances for employees who take parental leave is causing fears of a fund shortage.
Thailand calls for workplace safety as employees return to office
Employers are reminded to look after their workers and take precautionary measures if they choose to hold gatherings.
Japan moots scheme to insure all workers in the country
The government will soon initiate discussions on expanding the coverage of employee pensions and health insurance programmes to all workers.
3.22 million workers in South Korea paid less than minimum wage
The number of workers who were paid less than the minimum wage was 3,215,000 last year, the second highest annual figure after 2019’s 3,386,000.
Australia’s unemployment rate hits record low in March
The jobless rate in the country was 4.0% in March, one of the lowest readings since 1974, and is expected to drop further.
SMEs in Malaysia expected to feel impact of proposed minimum wage
The National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM) has expressed its disappointment over the hike in minimum wage.
Australia invests in four new AI centres to boost employment
A$44 million (US$32.5 million) is being invested in four new artificial intelligence and digital capability centres to stimulate growth and employment.
South Korea’s unemployment rate in March near historical low
The unemployment rate in the country stood near a historical low in March, while the number of people employed rose for a 13th consecutive month.
Singapore’s female employees want flexibility at work
About 54% of women in the city state want flexibility at work, but fear the stigma that comes with it, revealed a new LinkedIn survey.
Indonesia rolls out measures to narrow gender pay gap
The government has continued to enforce several measures to ensure equal pay for female and male workers, including setting up a labour watchdog.
China launches campaign to limit overtime work
To protect workers’ rights to adequate rest, the authorities are clamping down on employers who make their staff clock excessive overtime.
Victorian government calls for paid family violence leave
The government of Australia’s Victoria state has called for at least 10 days of paid family violence leave to be offered to all government workers.
Return to offices in Singapore more likely if commutes are less crowded
Employees are more likely to want to return to their workplaces rather than continue working from home if MRT trains are less crowded, a survey has found.
Number of unemployed drops in Malaysia
The number of unemployed persons continued its fall by 1.3% to 671,000 in February from 680,400 in January this year.
Singapore’s unemployment rate continues fall to pre-pandemic levels
Unemployment rates for February were around the quarterly average unemployment rates in 2018/2019 and are expected to hover around these levels.
Hong Kong supports more workers with new job-saving scheme
About 440,000 additional workers will benefit from the government’s more inclusive revised Employment Support Scheme (ESS).
South Korea’s minimum wage policy faces overhaul
The incoming administration headed by President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol is seeking to overhaul the country’s highly controversial minimum wage policy.
Indonesia provides wage subsidies to lower-income workers
This year’s Wage Subsidy Assistance (BSU) will focus on Indonesian workers with salaries below Rp3.5 million (US$243).
Japan Business Federation calls for digitalisation to be accelerated
The Japan Business Federation (Keidanren) has proposed the review of laws that would promote digitisation for organisations across the country.
Singapore’s gig workers support mandatory CPF contributions
The government is reviewing how to better protect platform workers to meet their retirement and housing needs.
Startups in the Philippines raise US$1.03 billion
The Philippine Venture Capital Report 2022 said local startups raised US$1.03 billion for funding in 2021, a 179% increase year-on-year.
Singapore launches campaign to curb workplace discrimination
The Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) has kicked off a campaign to stamp out workplace discrimination.