Malaysian NGOs ask for support of seven-day paternity leave
An amendment to the Employment Act allowing three days of paid paternity leave was previously proposed, but the NGOs said that it was insufficient.
South Korea urged not to abolish gender equality ministry
Willem Adema, senior economist in the OECD, said the move is premature and gives a completely “wrong policy signal” in the fight for gender equality.
Malaysia to implement minimum wage in stages
The minimum wage rate is slated to increase from RM1,200 to RM1,500 in the near future, said the human resource minister.
South Korean firms want in-coming government to create more jobs
In a poll, 95 out of 157 local companies, or 60.5%, picked jobs creation as the top policy priority for the new government.
Malaysian union urges government to mandate minimum wage raise
The minimum wage for workers in the country was last raised from RM1,100 to RM1,200 in February 2020, said the Malaysian Trades Union Congress.
Taiwan lawmakers seek stronger legal protection for working moms
Faced with barriers of entry, women who want a return to work after giving birth often took a long time before they secured a new job.
New Zealand’s employment grew in last quarter of 2021
This represented a third consecutive quarter of growth, where administration and construction were the largest drivers of job growth.
Singapore to penalise firms calling for MCs from COVID-19 positive workers
Workers who are unwell and not able to work after testing positive for COVID-19 should not be required to produce an MC, said the Ministry of Manpower.
Australia identifies digital and tech as key skills in next four years
Four of the top 10 skills come from the skills family of ‘computers and electronics’, highlighted the National Skills Commission.
Better childcare benefits and maternity leave create more jobs
Currently, some three in 10 women of reproductive age, or 649 million women do not have access to adequate maternity protection, says the ILO.
Wages in Japan rises in January for first time in five months
Inflation-adjusted real wages, a gauge of households’ purchasing power, increased 0.4% year-on-year in the month.
Singapore seeks to improve lower-wage workers’ well-being
New tripartite standards will address areas such as training and career development, the provision of rest areas, and care for workers’ mental well-being.
Civic groups in Taiwan ask for paid family care leave for workers
Presently, only civil servants are entitled to paid leave when they take off days to care for their families, and not private sector workers.
Singapore mulls mandatory CPF contributions for gig workers
The Advisory Committee on Platform Workers is also considering forming a union for such workers to represent their concerns in the event of disputes.
Workers can ramp up capabilities by keeping active at the workplace
This includes solutions such as using standing desks and installing a shower room in the workplace, a research report recommends.
Small businesses in Singapore aim to stamp out workplace gender bias
This is in collaboration with NTUC, who will provide guidance on how SMEs can improve gender equality and anti-harassment policies .
South Korea extends financial relief to firms
The payment of employment insurance fees and electricity and gas bills for April and June will be postponed for three more months.
Malaysia needs better living wage system, says EPF chief
The Employees Provident Fund is keen to see wages go upwards, but stresses that it must match with the availability of funds and the right way to do it.
Employment of disabled workers increases in China
Some 8.62 million people with disabilities, including the self-employed and flexible workers, were employed in 2020, up from 8.55 million in 2019.
Australia sees rise in apprentices who secured jobs
About 94% of trade apprentice graduates were employed after training in 2021, up 2.5 percentage points from 2019.
Some 29% of gig workers in Singapore work almost 60 hours a week
Around half of the 1,000 respondents of a recent survey said that they would leave the ride-sharing industry if there were job opportunities.
Wage subsidies support employment of 2.95 million workers in Malaysia
As of February 18, a total of RM21.72 million has been channelled to 902 MSMEs under the Indian Community Entrepreneur Development Scheme.
Thailand’s jobless rate falls as COVID-19 curbs ease
The impact of the Omicron variant on economic activity has not been significant, allowing activities within the country to proceed.
WHO and ILO: Set boundaries on working hours when teleworking
Employees should also establish individual telework plans and clarify expectations about timelines and expected results, the WHO and ILO highlighted.
Japan group set up to protect gig workers’ rights
Currently, gig workers are considered self-employed and therefore not guaranteed a minimum wage or employment insurance.
South Korea sees slower growth of jobs in Q3’2021
The number of jobs for workers in their 60s and above rose by 243,000, recording the highest increase among all age groups.
Gender pay gap in Australia falls to 13.8%
The full-time wage gap between male and female workers amounted to A$255 per week, marking the second lowest national pay gap in the last 20 years.
Malaysia partners with on-demand work platform to protect gig workers
Gig workers on the platform with existing EPF accounts can give their consent to opt into the programme and set their contribution rate.
Victoria sets aside A$200 million stimulus for firms
A$34.2 million of funding will be used to place workers in over 1,500 jobs across hospitality, warehousing and logistics, and tourism.
Businesses in Malaysia urged to pay workers higher wages
Although the government is still discussing the minimum wage hike, some firms are already paying more than the minimum wage.