Japanese businesses repay COVID-19 subsidies amid crackdown
As of January 21, a total of 5.26 trillion yen (US$45.5 billion) had been distributed in employment subsidies.
Workplace safety measures bolstered in South Korea as new law takes effect
Businesses face harsher sentences of a minimum one-year prison sentence or up to 1 billion won in fines in the event of fatal workplace accidents.
Vietnam’s digital transformation accelerated in 2021
Digital transformation is a new engine driving Vietnam’s socio-economic development, facilitating the country’s economic recovery.
Hybrid work will be default for Singapore’s public employees
Hybrid working would likely become a permanent feature of the public sector workforce, according to the Office of the Clerk of Parliament.
Japanese workers accept lack of pay hike, says trade union leader
In this year’s wage talks, Rengo is aiming for salary hikes of around 4%, including pay scale raises of around 2% and regular wage hikes.
Singapore expects to create over 17,000 new jobs over next five years
This is attributed to the fixed asset investments received in 2021, as well as the reopening of travel in the second half of the year.
Employees in Malaysia promised fair maternity leave and allowance
Following complaints of ambiguity, the Women’s Aid Organisation said it sought clarification from Malaysia’s human resource ministry.
Hong Kong allows public officials to WFH amid rise in COVID-19 cases
Many public employees are expected to work remotely as some government departments may temporarily cut back on some services.
New Zealand calls on for companies to be prepared for Omicron disruption
Finance Minister Grant Robertson cautioned firms to ensure business continuity plans are in place and vowed government support.
Singapore urges firms to prepare for Omicron’s disruption to the workplace
Businesses, especially those providing essential services, should ensure robust business continuity plans like split-team arrangements.
Taiwan’s unemployment rate fell in December for sixth straight month
The unemployment rate fell by 0.02 percentage points from November to 3.64% in December, as the country continues to recover from the pandemic.
India prepares to set a salary structure for WFH workers
A draft framework will be proposed to the Finance Ministry, with any subsequent changes requiring amendment to the tax laws.
Unemployment in Australia falls to lowest point in 13 years
The states of New South Wales and Victoria each added 32,000 and 25,000 to the employment numbers in late 2021, respectively.
Japan’s major business lobby urges firms to raise workers’ pay
A specific target of pay hikes that member firms should adopt was not specified, considering the varying pace of earnings recovery of companies.
Unemployment in Vietnam expected to hit 1.3 million in 2022
Among Southeast Asian countries, Vietnam ranks second, while Indonesia takes top place at 6.1 million unemployed.
Australian unions urge firms to cover costs of COVID-19 tests
The unions are asking employers to shoulder the cost of rapid tests until they are ideally provided free for everyone by the government.
China’s unemployment rate fell in 2021 as more jobs created
Certain sectors, such as wholesale and retail, saw more employment, which contributed to the overall employment stability.
Malaysia disburses some RM1.3 million in compensation to delivery riders
The payments cover temporary and permanent disability benefits, medical expenses, and funeral and dependent benefits.
China could create 88 million jobs by 2030 through green efforts
One of the transitions identified by the World Economic Forum is eco-tourism, which is projected to create some US$53 billion of additional revenue.
P$1 billion of cash aid to be disbursed to workers in the Philippines
Some 200,000 formal sector workers affected by pandemic-led restrictions in Metro Manila and other regions are set to receive P5,000 in cash aid.
Australian businesses lament government response to staffing crisis
Under more relaxed measures, only workers from some industries are allowed to return straight to work after recording a negative rapid antigen test.
Japan minister encourages businesses to telework
The goal of teleworking is to maintain the same level of socio-economic activities in a time when rapid spread of COVID-19 is expected.
Firms in Vietnam employed over 14.7 million workers in 2020
Over the same period, the number of private businesses and production establishments totalled nearly 5.2 million, an increase of 5.7% from 2016.
Success of flexible working depends on both workers and firms
Employers in Singapore have also been urged to clearly communicate their expectations upfront and manage appraisals fairly based on work outcomes.
Thailand raises maternity leave for public officials
The increase of maternity leave from three to six months is in line with the government’s policy of encouraging breastfeeding among mothers.
Firms in Malaysia encouraged firms to arrange workers’ vaccination
A public outreach programme provides a more controlled and easier way for workers to receive their booster shots.
Cambodia introduces COVID-19 protocols for businesses
These include what to do when staff test positive, how to perform risk assessment and inspections, and procedures for monitoring and evaluation.
Singapore warns against legislating WFH arrangements
The country believes that the approach to workplace flexibility should be inclusive, as remote working is not practical for all types of workers.
Formal employment in India jumps by 0.2 million in July-September quarter
Over the period, 31 million jobs were created in sectors such as manufacturing and education, an increase from 30.8 million in the preceding quarter.
Singapore issued over $141,000 fines for workplace management breaches
These include asking employees to return to the workplace when they can work from home, and not implementing sufficient safe distancing measures.