OECD urges Australia to increase unemployment benefits
It expects that strict lockdowns in New South Wales and Victoria state are likely to see the national economy shrink over the September quarter.
Hong Kong extends loan programmes for businesses
The schemes have so far granted a total of HK$170 billion (US$21.8 billion) in loans to 67,000 applicants, which include 41,600 companies.
Singapore doles out S$900 million in wage support
The payouts are expected to benefit over 43,900 employers in Singapore to support the wages of more than 570,000 local employees.
Over two million workers die from workplace related causes: UN agencies
19 occupational risk factors identified included long working hours, and workplace exposure to air pollution, asthmagens, carcinogens and noise.
Malaysia to roll out RM500 million support for SMEs
Commencing from September 21, the disbursement will be rolled out twice, once in September and another in November.
Australia expects teleworking to continue post-pandemic
The proportion of Australians working from home had increased from 8% to 40% over the past two year, according to an official review.
Oxfam calls for equal access to maternity care in Cambodia
The NGO has called on the government to better align laws and policies in key areas such as maternity leave, as well as cash and medical benefits.
Singapore looks into more protection for gig workers
An advisory committee expects to provide recommendations that require legislative change by the second half of next year.
Singapore urges SMEs to adapt, build workforce for post-pandemic
Companies should also remain outward-looking and stay engaged with the global economy, said the trade and industry minister
South Korea’s August unemployment rate hits record low
The jobless rate was the lowest since data was published in June 1999, down from July’s jobless rate of 3.3%.
Job vacancies in Singapore hit record high in June
The ratio of job vacancies to unemployed persons rose to above one for the first time since March 2019, with 163 jobs for every 100 unemployed persons.
Union in Taiwan wants subsidised childcare leave for parents
Current guidelines states that a class should stop in-person activities if one student tests positive for the COVID-19 virus.
SME business sentiment in Hong Kong improves
The improved business sentiment has been attributed to the global economic recovery and the improved local COVID-19 situation.
Almost half of South Korean listed firms cut workforce in H1’21
The proportion of listed companies that performed job cuts was down 51.4% from a year earlier, riding on expectations for an economic recovery.
China urges tech firms to protect gig worker rights
Regulators met with Chinese tech giants to discuss efforts to protect the basic rights of gig workers, following new government guidelines.
South Korea aims to create over 80,000 green jobs by 2025
The government also aims to create 4,500 green venture companies specialising in eco-friendly alternative materials and renewable energy.
New Zealand doles out additional payments to support businesses
To qualify, companies must suffer at least a 30% fall in revenue over seven days as a result of being under alert level 2 or higher.
NSW expands COVID-19 test and isolation programme
Unions have lauded the decision to provide payments to workers over 17 years of age if certain conditions are met.
Japan’s nominal wages in July rise by 1%
The rise reflected an increase in non-regular pay, which declined last year due to a fall in overtime working hours amid the pandemic.
Record number of Australians are working at least two jobs
The largest increase in workers holding multiple jobs include the sectors of administrative and support services, as well as arts and recreation.
Singapore mandates firms to notify worker layoffs
From November 1, all businesses in the city-state will have to notify the Ministry of Manpower of all retrenchments carried out.
Australia’s online job ads fall 5.6% in August
The sharpest decline in job ads in the month were registered in areas currently under lockdown, with falls registered in NSW, ACT and Victoria.
Khmer Enterprise in Cambodia signs agreement to support SMEs
Under the agreement, SMEs and startups in Cambodia will receive support in the form of expertise and resources.
Singapore’s unemployment rate edges up by 0.2% in July
The resident unemployment rate increased from 3.5% to 3.7%, while the citizen unemployment rate rose from 3.7% to 3.9%.
Singapore explores more pervasive use of COVID-19 tests at the workplace
Authorities are looking into the wider use of antigen rapid tests at the workplace and will be establishing further testing guidelines.
Malaysia’s SME association against GST implementation in 2022
The association warned that SMEs were in their most vulnerable stage and would likely shut down if the economy remained closed.
New Zealand considers additional COVID-19 support for firms
Over 25,000 businesses have signed an Auckland Business Chamber petition calling for the provision of more financial support.
Men earn 1.6 times higher wages than women in South Korea
The gender wage gap, which measures the rate of men’s average pay to that of women, measured 35.9% in 2020.
Large Japanese firms see 8% drop in summer bonuses
A survey by the Japan Business Federation took into account the agreed bonuses of 159 Tokyo-listed firms with over 500 employees.
Victoria state reskills mid-career workers for digital jobs
After 12 weeks of training in a new A$64 million programme, workers will be placed in a 12-week paid internship with a Victorian firm.