Malaysia’s latest MCO keeps economy open to avert unemployment
The decision not to have a full lockdown that shuts down the economy will help prevent rising unemployment that could affect 1 million people.
Help for working parents as Singapore schools move to home-based learning
As all schools start full home-based learning (HBL) from today, parents who cannot work from home have to find alternative arrangements.
Philippine lockdowns reverse gains in employment
The Department of Finance (DOF) has said gains in employment cannot be sustained if strict lockdowns are repeatedly being imposed.
Prolonged pandemic worsens gender gap in Japan
A Cabinet Office panel has concluded that a prolonged pandemic is likely to cause the gender gap to widen, and urged the government to act.
Philippine senator seeks to get seniors to be digital-ready for WFH
Senator Grace Poe has urged for educational programmes to help seniors work from home (WFH) instead of leaving their homes during the pandemic.
Philippine organisation calls for smoke-free workplaces
HealthJustice Philippines has urged the government to enforce smoke-free workplaces in a bid to fight the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Malaysian MP urges government to grant loan moratorium to save jobs
Klang MP Charles Santiago has called on the government to grant a six-month moratorium on loans to save small businesses and jobs.
Malaysian companies must allow staff to self-quarantine
Employers in Malaysia have been warned that they risk closure if staff are not allowed to self-quarantine while waiting for COVID-19 screening results.
Taiwan passes amendment to foreign talent recruitment bill
The Legislative Yuan has approved an amendment to an act that will lower requirements for foreign white-collar professionals seeking work in Taiwan.
Changes in Australia’s federal budget to benefit part-timers and women
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has scrapped the A$450 (US$354) a month threshold to pay mandatory super in the 2021 federal budget.
Cambodia’s labour ministry clarifies rules for factory re-openings
The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training has clarified that factories cannot force workers to be vaccinated in order for them to return to work.
Tokyo government promotes WFH with subsidies to companies
Financial incentives are offered to businesses that implement work from home (WFH) schemes to lower the number of people who commute to work.
Socso to protect self-employed in Malaysia by year-end
The Social Security Organisation (Socso) has announced plans to protect 200,000 active self-employed individuals by the end of this year.
Singapore companies to close gaps in workplace learning
The new National Workplace Learning Certification scheme will help companies identify and close gaps in their workplace learning systems.
Malaysia approved wage subsidies worth US$3.12 billion
The government’s Wage Subsidy Programme 1.0 (PSU 1.0) has approved wage subsidies of RM12.86 (US$3.12 billion) as of April 23.
Vaccinated employees get 2 days off work in Taiwan
Workers who receive the COVID-19 vaccine will be entitled to two days off work, according to the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC).
Malaysia imposes MCO with 30% of staff allowed in offices in Selangor
Businesses in six Selangor districts will be allowed to have 30% of staff present in offices from May 6 till May 17 under the latest movement control order.
Pregnant workers in Cambodia benefit from government subsidies
The government’s subsidy programme has disbursed US$24 million to pregnant workers since its launch in January 2018.
Singapore’s financial sector to create 6,500 jobs in 2021
The financial sector is expected to create 6,500 new jobs this year, building on its net gain of 2,200 positions last year.
Singapore cuts back number of staff allowed in the office
In an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19, employers need to reduce the number of staff in the office from the current 75% back to 50%.
Japan incentivises migration out of Tokyo without staff changing jobs
The government is encouraging workers to relocate to less-populated areas of the country while still employed by businesses based in Tokyo.
Hong Kong committed to creating jobs and improving workers’ welfare
Chief Executive Carrie Lam has affirmed her commitment to create jobs, improve employee welfare and boost protection of workers’ interests.
Malaysian unions urge for better employee welfare amid pandemic
Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) has called for the revision of minimum wages and the remuneration system.
Cambodian government urged to protect workers against COVID-19
Unions and NGOs are calling on the government to tighten safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
COVID-19 now a compensable work-related disease in the Philippines
The Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE) has included COVID-19 in its list of occupational and work-related diseases.
Singapore launches tripartite standard for work-life balance
To help workers achieve a better work-life balance, the Tripartite Standard on Work-Life Harmony (TSWLH) has been launched.
Philippines to give COVID-19 vaccines to minimum wage earners and OFWs
To observe Labour Day, 5,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will be given to minimum wage earners and overseas Filipino workers.
Market-based support benefits MSMEs more than subsidies or loans
To help MSMEs recover from the pandemic, the Asian Development Bank is urging governments to consider more targeted and differentiated assistance.
Total employment in Singapore grows for first time since start of pandemic
Singapore’s labour market is showing shoots of recovery with total employment growing by 4,800 in Q1’21 after four consecutive quarters of decline.
Singaporeans perceive improvement in local labour market
Over the past year, Singaporeans’ perception of the job market has shown marked improvement, while their job security levels remain largely unchanged.