Major Japanese businesses offer wage hike of over 2%
A survey, which covered 81 firms with 500 or more workers, found that 26 of the firms had their earnings returned to pre-pandemic levels.
MSMEs in India urged to digitalise in post-COVID world
MSMEs are at the heart of India’s ambition to become a significant player and contribute to the global supply chain, said the Union Minister for IT.
Select regions in the Philippines to effect minimum wage increase
In Metro Manila, the revised minimum wage rate will be effective June 4, while the new wage rate will take effect on June 5 in Western Visayas.
Malaysia pushes for companies to adopt ESG standards
A social accountability scheme will advance the sustainability efforts of companies and will be in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals 2030.
Australia’s jobless rate hits 50-year low in April
The unemployment rate for males declined by 0.2 percentage points to 4%, its lowest level since October 2008.
China’s Jiangsu province moves to subsidise maternity leave
Companies in the province would be reimbursed for 50% or 80% of the social insurance paid to women who have a second child or a third child, respectively.
Real income in Australia shrinks as wage growth trails behind inflation
The gap between inflation and workers’ pay rises meant workers were on track to be A$4,000 worse off on average this year in real terms.
Philippines partners ILO to boost worker productivity and employability
ILO will oversee the creation of training materials and provide capacity building for the national trainers endorsed by DOLE.
Thailand to enforce Personal Data Protection Act from June 1
The PDPA, which regulates the processing of personal data with regards to commercial transactions, had seen its implementation delayed.
Minimum wage hike expected across regional boards in the Philippines
So far, the wage boards of Metro Manila and Western Visayas have approved the minimum wage hike in various sectors.
China focuses on creating jobs for disabled workers
Central departments are also looking towards alleviating job market discrimination for people with disabilities.
Financial firms in Japan mandated to publish ratio of women in senior roles
The new regulation, expected to be mandatory from April next year, will affect some 4,000 listed businesses in the country.
Study finds that video-conferencing could hamper creativity
The authors noted that video conferencing potentially curbs creative idea generation because participants’ gaze is focused on a screen.
Vietnam strives to promote women’s economic empowerment
WeEmpowerAsia has launched 15 e-learning courses on business management and leadership skills for women, with 7,700 women receiving the training.
Employers in Australia warn against further minimum wage raise
The Australian Industry Group has urged the Fair Work Commission to adopt a “cautious approach in adjusting wages”.
South Korea sees continuous job growth in April
Jobs data reflected overall improvements in the labour market, although employment in face-to-face services fell, such as those in accommodations.
Some 140,000 employers sign up for Hong Kong government subsidy
The scheme subsidises the wages of some 1.2 million workers up to HK$8,000 over the months of May, June, and July.
Provision of care services could create 300 million jobs worldwide: ILO
Of the new roles, women could hold 78% of these new jobs and 84% of these would be formal employment.
Almost half of jobs in New Zealand supported by government subsidy
The subsidies were key in helping the economy recover from the impact of the pandemic, said the Minister for Social Development and Employment.
Firms in Japan adopt flexible working arrangements
A number of Japanese companies are granting its workers flexible work options in a bid to attract and retain talent.
Female employees in Australia promised more support measures
These include gender pay equity, improved career options, improved parental leave, and elimination of sexual harassment.
Minimum wage in Malaysia does not include overtime pay and allowances
The SME Association of Malaysia has cautioned that businesses may shutter or cut manpower if the costs of basic wages are too high to shoulder.
Vietnam’s minimum wage hike aimed at protecting lower paid workers
The minimum wage revisions show the commitment of workers and businesses to overcome difficulties together, said the International Labour Organisation.
Malaysia disburses RM151 million in wage subsidies
The labour force has been recovering gradually since 2021, and a stronger recovery is expected this year, said the finance minister.
South Korea supports firms that allow staff to work remotely
The government has pledged to allocate 3.6 million won yearly for additional personnel and labour management expenses incurred from telecommuting.
Malaysia mulls legislation to protect gig workers’ needs
The government is concerned over the needs and welfare of some four million Malaysians working in the gig economy.
More jobs to be created for locals in the Philippines
Foreign direct investments that the Philippines secured last year would generate more employment, said the Department of Trade and Industry.
Australian firms face higher costs of doing business
Of firms which experienced an increase in cost, some 21% stated that costs had increased to “a great extent, said the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Concerns raised over minimum wage hike in Malaysia
The increase in workers’ wages will raise business cost and stall the economic recovery of businesses, said business organisation.
Regional partnership to bolster digitalisation of MSMEs
The Philippines and Singapore will also address how MSMEs in emerging markets continue to be underserved.