Taiwan to issue fourth round of COVID-19 relief subsidies
The subsidy package is set to benefit at least 7.3 million individuals, and will also be allocated to support various sectors.
Japan’s real wages in April show largest monthly gain since 2010
The increase was partly due to a 0.5% drop in the consumer price index, and a y-o-y rebound in part-timers’ compensation.
South Korea’s jobless claims fall in May
Those receiving job-seeking benefits totalled 704,000 in May, in line with a downward trend of 759,000 in March, and 739,000 in April.
World Bank approves US$500 million programme to support India’s MSMEs
The programme targets improving the performances of 555,000 MSMEs and is expected to mobilise financing of US$15.5 billion.
Malaysian employers cannot force non-essential service workers to office
Staff are encouraged to report incidents where their workplace exceeds the 60% capacity, or they are asked to work despite the need for quarantine.
Thailand rolls out wage subsidies to deter mass layoffs
Qualified SMEs for the new co-payment scheme include those that could not acquire a soft loan from Thailand’s central bank package.
Chinese city turns to blockchain for worker payments
An app records and encrypts data like work attendances based on facial recognition, and feedback from recruiters.
Unemployment rate in Singapore dips in April
In April, a total of 92,100 people — comprising Singapore citizens and permanent residents — were unemployed.
Thailand approves US$4.5 billion COVID-19 stimulus package
The measures include cash handouts to welfare card holders and special groups, co-payments and cash rebates, and will be implemented from July.
56,000 people lost jobs after Australia ended JobKeeper
While these job losses are linked to the end of its wage subsidy, more people are beginning to find jobs, says the treasury secretary.
Malaysia urged to extend COVID-19 subsidy till year-end
The government has been asked to extend the wage subsidy programme throughout all phases of MCO and [Conditional] MCO, or at least till December.
Hong Kong rolls out vaccination leave for civil servants
This will apply to all government employees, which includes civil servants, non-civil service contract staff and post-retirement service contract staff.
Malaysia unveils RM$40 billion stimulus package
RM$2.1 billion (US$0.51 billion) will be distributed to lower-income workers who earn less than RM5,000 (US$1,212) each month.
Singapore likely to relax COVID-19 restrictions after June 13
Enhanced wage support for select businesses affected by the city-state’s tighter measures has also been announced.
Taiwan plans NT$25 billion subsidy for families
On Monday, it approved an additional NT$420 billion in stimulus spending to support the economy as business activities are curbed.
Taiwan plans to double stimulus funding for COVID-19 support
Selected workers and the self-employed in Taiwan can expect to receive subsidies ranging from US$361 to US$1,083.
Thailand plans more COVID-19 stimulus packages to save jobs
The measures include assistance to the tourism industry, which has been hit badly by the outbreak, and support to retain jobs at smaller companies.
Japan aims to bolster economy through wage hikes
To encourage the flow of people from urban to regional areas, the government will raise the national average of minimum wages to ¥1,000 per hour.
India preps COVID-19 stimulus package
The country is reporting almost 200,000 COVID-19 cases daily, causing many local governments to impose curbs to control the spread of the virus.
Malaysia calls on small businesses to prepare operating under stricter SOPs
These include making sure that premises are equipped with a safe entry QR code, thermometers and hand sanitisers
Taiwan legislators propose pandemic leave subsidies for parents
The proposal would allow workers who have to take unpaid leave to take care of their children to apply for the subsidies.
India allows family members of employees to be vaccinated
Some companies, both in the public and private sector, have already begun lining up its vaccination programme for their staff and family members.
Malaysia announces RM$200m to fight COVID-19
This brings the total amount of a COVID-19 response fund to RM$65 billion, most of which has been allocated to save jobs and subsidise daily expenses.
Full lockdown in Malaysia may cause 40% of SMEs to close down
The government has further tightened MCO measures, which include a mandate of more WFH arrangements and a cap on operating hours.
Australia’s unemployment rate in April falls to 5.5%
Official figures also show an improvement in youth unemployment, which is now better than at the start of the pandemic.
Bank of Japan to extend pandemic relief if needed
Japan’s economy shrank an annualised 5.1% in Q1 as a slow vaccination rollout and a spike in COVID-19 cases hit spending on dining out and retail.
Hong Kong’s civil service unions back salary freeze for officials
This comes amid fears that the salaries of civil servants could suffer a cut this year as Hong Kong continues to be impacted by the pandemic.
Deaths due to long work hours prevalent in South-East Asia: WHO
The study, produced jointly by WHO and the International Labour Organisation, showed that most victims (72%) were men, middle-aged or older.
More financial firms in Taiwan move to remote working
The move to remote work comes as an increasingly number of COVID-19 infections are reported in Taiwan.
China extends pro-job policies to boost employment
The government will continue subsidies for the unemployed, and vocational training, upskilling, internships for college graduates.