Philippine employers’ association urges for waiver of licence fees
To spur job creation, the country’s biggest employers’ association has called on the government to waive off fees for the renewal of existing permits and licences.
Australia considers increasing childcare subsidies for female workers
To increase women’s participation in the workforce, the Australian government is considering increasing childcare subsidies in its upcoming budget.
Pandemic dampens Japan PM’s plans to raise minimum wage
Japan’s SMEs and some members of the ruling party are opposing prime minister Yoshihide Suga’s proposal to increase the minimum wage.
Employers’ group in Malaysia says vaccination should remain voluntary
The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has said vaccinations are still on a voluntary basis unless the government makes it mandatory for workers.
Pandemic affected more women workers than men in South Korea
The number of employed women aged between 25 and 54 fell by 541,000 year-on-year last March, more than the 327,000 for men in the same age group.
Australia may allow employers to require staff to be vaccinated
In a first of its kind, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) has upheld the termination of a childcare worker who had refused to get a flu jab.
MSMEs in Indonesia urged to adopt digital technology
Minister of trade Muhammad Lutfi said the use of digital technology is vital for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to compete globally.
Japan government pushes for digital wage payment amid safety concerns
The labour ministry is advocating for companies to adopt digital payrolls within the current fiscal year, though safety concerns remain.
Vietnamese workers’ average salary rises in first quarter
Data from the General Statistics Office (GSO) showed that the average income of workers rose 5.7% in Q1 compared to Q4 of 2020.
Thailand compiles list of 225,000 job vacancies for unemployed
To help workers made jobless by the latest COVID-19 wave, the country’s Ministry of Labour is compiling a list of more than 225,000 job vacancies.
8.8% of Malaysian workers paid below minimum wage
8.8% of workers in the country are paid a basic salary below the RM1,200 (US$291) monthly minimum wage.
Thailand advises those in high-risk areas to work from home for 2 weeks
The Ministry of Public Health’s advisory comes as the number of COVID-19 cases are expected to spike after the Songkran festival.
Wage gap between regular and non-regular workers grows in South Korea
In the past 10 years, the wage gap between regular and non-regular workers has increased by 490,000 won (US$438), up 47.6%.
Labour union in Japan calls for raise in minimum wage of essential workers
A labour union, representing low-paid essential workers across different sectors in Japan, has urged for minimum wages to be raised.
70,700 new jobs created in Australia this March
Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showed that 70,700 net new jobs were created in March, double the expected 35,000.
Taiwan employees get highest-ever year-end bonus
Despite the economic fallout from the pandemic, employees received the highest-ever average year-end bonus of NT$70,513 (US$2,478) last year.
Australia gives cash incentive for unemployed to relocate for work
To incentivise job seekers to move to new locations for work, the government is giving them an upfront cash payment of A$2,000 (US$1,539).
Thailand provides free COVID-19 tests under social security scheme
The Ministry of Labour will provide free COVID-19 tests to members of the social security scheme, in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Bangkok.
Australian job ads post highest number in 12 years
The number of job openings in March reached 238,700, rising for 11 straight months, according to the National Skills Commission.
More women take up key leadership positions in Singapore
More women were appointed to the boards of statutory boards, companies and Institutions of Public Character (IPCs) in 2020.
Indonesia union group urges for full payment for Eid allowances
Confederation of Indonesian Workers Unions (KSPI) president Said Iqbal has called for companies to make mandatory full payment for Eid allowances.
Malaysia approves COVID-19 vaccination leave
Human resources minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan has given the green light allowing employers to give their staff leave for getting vaccinated.
South Korea sees increase in non-regular female workers in their 20s
The number of women in their 20s who held non-regular jobs rose the fastest, growing by 5.5 percentage points.
35% of 2020 job openings in Singapore were for remote work
MOM has reported that 35% of job vacancies last year could be done remotely, adding that these openings were largely for PMET roles.
Taiwan urges for laws to grant unpaid leave days for vaccination
The MOL has asked the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) to enact new laws allowing employees to take unpaid leave for vaccination.
Malaysia mulls giving a day off for employees to get jab
The Human Resources Ministry and the Ministry of Health are deliberating whether employees should be given an off-day to get their COVID-19 inoculations.
Thailand approves 3rd stimulus package worth US$60.5 billion
The cabinet has approved its third stimulus package of 1.9 trillion baht (US$60.5 billion) to help workers and businesses get through the pandemic.
Facilitating peer-to-peer collaboration for a better employee journey
CHROs need to provide staff with innovative digital tools for better cross-functional and cross-border peer-to-peer collaboration.
Australian government against minimum wage raise
The government is not raising minimum wages after ending its JobKeeper programme on March 28, citing job creation as one of its priorities.
South Korea’s revised labour law allows more flexibile work week
The Ministry of Employment and Labour has increased the period which employers can have more flexibility in implementing the 52-hour work week.