Pandemic dulls outlook for pay hikes at Japan’s annual wage talks
Japan’s Business Federation says companies should have more financial leeway and pay hikes are unrealistic amid the economic uncertainty.
Investment in upskilling can boost GDP by US$6.5 trillion by 2030
Skills enhancement would ensure that workers have the experience and skills needed for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Hong Kong banks on innovative tech for city’s economic recovery
The government’s intervention and support are crucial in the early stage of innovation and tech development, says city financial chief.
Japan government revises paternity leave to promote time off
The government has been encouraging men to take paternity leave, but the practice is not common in Japan, which suffers from a declining birth rate.
Over 56% of Singapore employers in specific sectors are looking to hire
Industries like Essential Domestic Services, Modern Services and Built Environment are most likely to hire new talent despite market outlook.
Singapore maintains work-from-home as default option
Under current safe management measures, peak-hour travel on public transport in January has risen by 11%, compared to November 2020.
Teleworking rate in Japan remains low despite government urge
The proportion of teleworkers fell to 22% in mid-January, from 31.5 % in May 2020, when the country was under its first state of emergency.
Skills training needed to meet targeted labour demand in Thailand
The training programmes may also need to focus on promoting livelihoods and self-employment skills in rural areas, said the World Bank
Australia sees unemployment fall to 6.6% in December
Although employment has recovered 90% of the fall from March to May, the recovery in part-time employment has outpaced full-time employment.
Skills development key for SEA workers to move into new jobs
There are large potential returns to be reaped by businesses, stemming from productivity increases from fourth industrial revolution tech, says ADB.
More South Korean workers are working two jobs
Among new recruits last December, some 407,000 people had experience working at a second job, data shows.
New Zealand jobs recover close to pre-pandemic levels
Sectors like IT and communications; trades and services; transport and logistics; and manufacturing have seen the most postings.
Japan’s largest business lobby sees blanket wage hikes as “unrealistic”
The priority should be to protect jobs rather than a uniform pay hike, it said as it unveiled guidelines to the upcoming wage talks.
Australian companies deploy hybrid work model
Australia’s Commonwealth Bank intends to keep a hybrid model of staff working from the office and home.
Malaysia rolls out RM15 billion economic package
Initiatives include a one-off monetary assistance for taxi and bus drivers, and a special three-month electric bills discount for six business sectors.
Crucial to protect workers’ rights as teleworking becomes the norm: UN
Problems facing workers who work from home and their employers need greater attention, including the rights and risks involved, says the ILO.
Malaysian unions urge government to prevent retrenchments as MCO starts
The Malaysian Trades Union Congress had previously proposed emergency employment laws to be enacted to prevent businesses from retrenching workers.
Cambodia sees US$100 million co-financing scheme fund for SMEs fully subscribed
The average loan taken by SMEs amounted to US$122,514.
Businesses in Japan that violate shutdown orders could face fines
The amendment to the special measures law is set to be enacted by the Japanese government in early February.
Job openings in Australia rise 23% in November
The increase in vacancies reflect the pace of recovery in labour demand in the second half of the year, says labour stats chief.
Ho Chi Minh city plans to add 3,600 workers to public workforce
The city government has requested permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs to employ 10,700 civil servants in 2021 instead of the 7,100 approved earlier.
Thailand approves more measures to soften COVID-19 blow
The measures include soft loans and lower utility bills, and aim to boost liquidity for businesses, provide debt relief and unemployment support.
Employers should hire and train mature workers, eliminate bias
The country aims to tap into the Singapore workforce, instead of relaxing its foreign worker policy, says minister.
Malaysia requires employers to provide quarantine centres for foreign workers
Employers will also be responsible for medical costs and ensuring the welfare of their foreign workers.
Japan urges businesses to promote teleworking
The government is requesting companies to cut the number of commuting workers by 70% with alternatives like teleworking.
New loan guarantees provide Thai SMEs with more financial flexibility
The new loan programmes have a combined loan guarantee of 40 billion baht, and will be rolled out through six financial institutions.
Taiwan sees weekly drop in furloughed workers
The government expects the number to drop further, with the upcoming Lunar New Year boosting domestic demand and businesses.
Australian education and employer bodies call on adaptability for the future workplace
Australians need to change what, when and how they learn to prepare for the workplace of the future.
Cambodian government disburses US$23 million to unemployed workers
Workers who lost their jobs due to the closure of businesses in garment and textile factories, and the tourism industry will be able to receive support.
South Korea reaffirms pledge to create 150,000 new jobs in 2021
The government also plans to support smaller businesses, offer tax incentives to increase hiring, and support sectors that were severely retrenched.