Japan to review COVID-19 subsidies for businesses
Officials are concerned that small and medium-sized firms in the country will grow to be overly depend on the subsidies.
New Zealand’s unemployment falls to record low in Q3’21
The number of unemployed people declined by 18,000 in the third quarter to 98,000, and marks the lowest unemployment level since 2008.
Malaysia to equip workers with more digital skills
An enhanced hiring and training incentive programme targets businesses that are offering digital tech and services roles.
Japan’s job availability improves in September
On October 1, the government lifted the country’s state of emergency amid a sharp drop in new COVID-19 cases, prompting businesses to hire staff.
South Korea’s wage divide between sectors widens
Workers in internet service firms saw their pay rising in the first half of 2021, while those in the travel sector experienced a slump.
Hong Kong to offer flexible employment for mothers
Chief Executive Carrie Lam noted that it was important to retain mothers in the workforce while offering them better childcare support.
Low wage workers to benefit from Australia’s new superannuation law
The introduction of the regulation will abolish the current A$450 minimum threshold for workers to qualify for superannuation.
South Korea’s presidential hopeful mulls four-day workweek pledge
Lee Jae-myung believes that the implementation of a four-day workweek will create more jobs and cut working hours in the country.
Employers in Malaysia required to bear full cost of hiring foreign workers
Foreign workers are currently required to undergo a mandatory quarantine period of seven days at a government-certified quarantine centre.
Australian business groups call for uniformed COVID-19 vaccine mandates
The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (Cosboa) said a standardised approach would offer clarity for small businesses.
Job ads in Malaysia rose in second quarter of 2021
Roles in the professional, scientific and technical sectors contributed to the bulk of job opportunities for candidates.
Thailand to regulate digital platform businesses
To maintain financial and commercial stability, such businesses will have to provide notification before commencing operations.
Unvaccinated workers in Singapore could lose their jobs
From 1 January 2022, workers who refuse to disclose their COVID-19 vaccination status will be treated as unvaccinated.
Japan looks into distributing wage profits
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida had vowed earlier to draw up an economic package worth “tens of trillions of yen” to revive the economy.
Mandatory vaccination urged for frontline workers in the Philippines
The labour department will be studying a proposal that mandates COVID-19 vaccination for frontline workers.
Rise in minimum wage could derail Malaysia’s economic recovery: MEF
Labour productivity also registered a fall of 16% in 2020, following a reduction in workforce numbers, notes the Malaysian Employers Federation.
Unvaccinated workers not allowed back to the workplace in Singapore
From January 1 next year, only those who are vaccinated will be allowed back to the workplace, or if they have tested negative for COVID-19.
Digital transformation key for Malaysia’s economic recovery
Malaysia aims for the digital economy to contribute 22.6% to its gross domestic product and create 500,000 new jobs by 2025.
Workers in the Philippines may receive lower 13th month pay
Due to tighter pandemic-led restrictions, many businesses were forced to temporarily retrench or cut the work days of their staff.
Singapore rolls out S$640 million support package for businesses
Businesses in select sectors significantly affected by tightened COVID-19 measures will receive a 25% wage support under the Jobs Support Scheme.
Wage growth in Australia unlikely despite labour shortage
The Reserve Bank of Australia noted that in sectors where wage growth was observed, it was largely due to earlier implemented wage cuts that were reversed.
‘No vaccine, no pay’ practice declared unlawful in the Philippines
Some workers have said that they were not paid their salaries as they were required to first present proof of vaccination.
Malaysia offers over 275,000 jobs on its public jobs portal
The portal is able to match jobseekers accurately to respective roles, based on their academic qualifications, experience and skills.
Some 40,000 small businesses in New Zealand go digital
The Digital Boost programme is a free training programme that has helped 40,000 small businesses improve their digital skills.
Applications for Malaysia’s wage subsidies total RM$12.95 billion
A total of RM$84.2 million has also been channelled to 13,884 businesses in the form of grants and loans for subscriptions to digitalisation services.
Singapore sets up job opportunities in HR for workers with disabilities
The programme will commence in the first quarter of next year, and will support up to 30 training and job opportunities.
Thailand approves incentives to speed up industry 4.0 transformation
Companies with approval will have to fully implement their upgrade plans within three years from the BOI certificate issuance date.
Japanese workers see wage increase in August
Although wages levels have been increasing, workers are still making less than they used to as compared to before the pandemic hit.
Malaysian government urged to review minimum wage
The current salary increment rate ranges between 100% and 150%, while the cost of living has increased from 400% to 600%, said a senator.
Workers in Vietnam see fall in wages in Q3’2021 due to COVID-19
Male workers are also receiving a higher average monthly wage as compared to their female counterparts.