Japan seeks minimum wage hike as soon as possible
The proposals for higher wages could be reflected in the government’s mid-year policy guidelines, and will provide the basis for its fiscal year budget in 2022.
Singapore raises wage support for F&B sector to 50%
The government will co-pay wages of local employees up to the first S$4,600 of gross monthly wages during the period in which dining-in is prohibited.
Paid vaccination leave gains traction among South Korea’s larger firms
CJ Group was the latest to announce a paid vaccination leave for its employees, who can take two days off to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations.
Firms in Japan still not adopting teleworking enough, survey shows
Companies in Miyagi, Osaka, and Hyōgo Prefectures were asked to adopt remote work arrangements to control the spread of COVID-19.
Singapore tightens COVID-19 measures, WFH as default
From May 16 to June 13, the size of group gatherings allowed will be cut from five people to two as employees are told to WFH whenever possible,
South Korea’s April jobs show largest growth in seven years
The number of employed workers in South Korea totalled 27.21 million in April, up 652,000 from a year ago.
New Zealand considers prosecution against misuse of wage subsidies
An inquiry made into how the scheme was managed revealed that applications were approved based on verbal confirmation, without documents.
Travel for work in Malaysia only allowed with proper documentation
In an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Malaysia, the government has imposed a nationwide movement control order.
Displaced workers in the Philippines will continue receiving support
DOLE has also ramped up the implementation of its programme to provide jobs for seasonal workers, those who are displaced, or underemployed.
Australia set to extend programme to train and reskill workforce
JobTrainer was designed for 17 to 24-year-olds and the unemployed, and was initially slated to expire in September.
Philippines’ jobless rate falls to lowest level since start of pandemic
In March, the number of unemployed citizens aged 15 and above was estimated at 3.44 million, 747,000 less than from February.
Australia commits A$1.2 billion to spur digital economy
The announcement comes ahead of its Federal budget on May 11, and includes measures to support skills and investments in the digital workforce.
Thailand plans US$7.2 billion stimulus to help low-income group
The Cabinet gave in-principle approval for the fiscal stimulus measures, aimed to help the poor cope with the economic impact from the pandemic.
New Zealand’s jobless rate falls to 4.7% in Q12021
Over the March quarter, employment rose by 15,000 in New Zealand, as the country continues to recover from the pandemic.
Dining restrictions in Thai provinces expected to cost 200,000 jobs
The restrictions are now enforced in six provinces — Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan.
WFH as default to stop COVID-19 in India, says industry body
Firms should review operations and minimise the use of in-person manpower, limiting it to critical operations or activities required by law.
Australia sees rise in telework despite easing restrictions
Larger businesses were twice as likely to have introduced remote working arrangements in response to COVID-19 as compared to smaller firms.
Malaysian employers group appeals to delay minimum wage review
Now is not the right time to review the minimum wage as this will add to costs of doing business, said the MEF president.
Thailand considers new relief packages for workers and businesses
A government spokesperson said that the new relief packages would be decided “carefully” to ensure that those who are impacted by the pandemic are covered.
Australia to unveil A$1.7 billion childcare fund in upcoming Budget
The current annual cap of A$10,560 per child will be removed, and instead increased to a maximum of 95% for families with two or more children.
Singapore to expand scope of progressive wage model
Tripartite committees comprising unions, employers and the government are working to extend the model to more sectors like food services and retail.
Building mental resilience critical to tackle WFH-led mental stressors
A campaign will be held in September by healthcare institutions and agencies in Singapore to share best practices on how to build workers’ mental resilience.
Companies in Japan offer vaccination leave for workers to receive jabs
Businesses are hoping to create an environment where workers can make vaccination appointments easily, which will hasten the vaccination process.
Australians on unemployment benefits fall by 20,000
Since end-2020, the number of Australians relying on unemployment benefits has fallen by 13% as the country continues to recover from the pandemic.
Malaysian companies urged to lodge concerns on regulatory barriers
The MyMudah platform, launched last July, aims to alleviate the economic impact of COVID-19 on local enterprises and international businesses.
New Zealand restarts working holiday visa
The decision to restart the working visa programme was welcomed by tourism employers, who would have access to a pool of offshore workers.
Malaysia aims to have 50 SMEs join its business improvement programme
SMEs selected for the programme will undergo capacity building and be eligible to receive financial assistance of up to RM500,000.
WFH in Japan limited to office workers, survey finds
Staff working from locations other than their offices accounted for 19.2% of all workers in Japan in April, which is almost unchanged from levels in July 2020.
Taiwan mandates occupational accident insurance for all workers
Employers are required to sign their staff up for the insurance on their first day at work, regardless of company size, or face a fine of up to NT$100,000.
Singapore’s low-wage workers fund receives $4 million boost
The fund, launched in 2017, has helped workers in the lower-wage group while they search for a new job and wait for social support.