Singapore provides reskilling opportunities for older workers
Most of the people who have difficulty obtaining jobs are typically in their 50s and 60s and have educational qualifications below a diploma.
Australia saw jobs availability increase in January
The number of available jobs rose by 12,900 in January, an increase of 0.1% from December, according to Statistics Australia.
S$500 million support package for Singapore’s struggling sectors
Singapore’s 2022 budget will include a S$500 million (US$372 million) support package to help workers and businesses “still struggling” to recover.
New Zealand urges businesses to let employees work from home
As Omicron cases increase, the country’s biggest businesses and government departments have been encouraged to let their staff work from home.
DOLE urged to probe red-tagging and harassment in the Philippines
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has urged the Philippine government to better address trade union rights violations in the country.
Indonesia’s Old Age Insurance Programme reverts to original role
With the launch of the Job Loss Guarantee Programme (JKP), the Old Age Insurance Programme (JHT) will revert to protecting elderly workers.
South Korea sees highest jobs increase in almost 22 years
The number of people employed saw its sharpest spike in nearly 22 years in January month-on-month and was partly attributable to government spending.
Cambodia provides financial support to SMEs and the agriculture sector
A US$100 million special emergency loan scheme will help SMEs and the agriculture and agro-industry sectors get through the pandemic.
Malaysia prepares to launch job creation initiative
The Jamin Kerja Keluarga Malaysia initiative will create 600,000 jobs with a budget of RM4.8 billion (US$1.14 billion).
China offers support to 10.76 million graduates entering workforce
China is offering special help to young entrepreneurs and providing a range of incentives to encourage small companies to employ fresh graduates.
Employment opportunities increase in Malaysia
The number of jobs in the country reached 8.53 million jobs in the fourth quarter of 2021, the highest number recorded during the pandemic period.
Minimum wage raise under consideration in Hong Kong
Secretary for Labour and Welfare Law Chi-kwong has said the minimum wage, frozen at HK$37.50 (US$4.8) since 2019, may be raised this year.
Malaysia’s SME body calls for labour law reform and productivity
The HR Ministry has been urged to focus on reforming labour laws to keep up with the gig economy and the reality of a post-pandemic age.
Rising workforce numbers and Industry 4.0 challenge Indonesia’s HR
The huge demographic “bonus” and Industrial Revolution 4.0 (4IR) will drive manpower challenges, said Manpower Ministry official.
First flat rate for minimum wage decided in Thailand
The Labour Ministry is expected to approve the country’s daily minimum wage from 336 baht (US$10.2) to a flat rate of 492 baht (US$15.0).
Green economy increases employment in Indonesia
Indonesia is increasing its investment in the green economy, which is said to be able to generate ten times more jobs than other industries.
Malaysia’s labour market improves with lower unemployment
The unemployment rate dropped to 4.2% in December from 4.3% in the previous month, the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) reported.
Australia’s companies narrow gender super gap
About 49% of employers in the database of Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) pay super on their parental leave scheme.
Japan’s corporations are spending less on wages
Corporations have been spending less of their profits on wages since the end of the bubble economy about 30 years ago, a government study finds.
The Philippine government urged to help repatriated migrant workers
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has said the unprecedented return of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) is creating growing challenges.
Recovery memo not needed to return to work in Singapore
Workers will not be required to present memos from general practitioners (GPs) to prove that they have recovered from COVID-19 infections.
Minimum wage increase opposed by Malaysian business group
The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) said the proposed increase in the national minimum wage to RM1,500 (US$359) will shutter struggling businesses.
Singapore companies urged to have business continuity plans in place
Businesses should have procedures for staff to work longer hours to cover the work of their colleagues as Omicron cases rise, said a tripartite advisory.
Malaysia forms government body for job creation and placement
The Government Industry TVET Coordination Body, or GITC, is a collaboration hub to place graduates into relevant jobs.
Bill for “right to disconnect” filed in the Philippines
If House Bill 10717 is enacted, it could be against the law for employers to contact their staff outside working hours.
Unemployment rate in India drops to 11-month low
The unemployment rate fell to 6.57% in January – the lowest since March last year, contributed by a decrease in rural unemployment.
Most South Korean mothers want to remain in workforce
Out of the female workers who worked until giving birth, 77.5% either went back to work or plan to return to work after childbirth.
Laos set for first minimum wage raise since 2018
The government has begun discussion on raising the national minimum wage this March amid rising inflation and the increasing cost of living.
Singapore’s total employment rebounds in Q4 last year
Q4 of 2021 saw total employment growing 47,400 compared to the decline of 2,400 in the third quarter, said the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
Call for faster pay hikes for low-paid workers in the Philippines
Labour group Partido Manggagawa (PM) has urged companies to raise wages of low-paid workers faster than those who earn higher salaries.