Thailand sources 56,000 roles to help the unemployed
In February, 114,101 newly unemployed workers registered for financial aid, while 487,143 people updated their unemployment status.
Malaysian SMEs must adopt digital technology in post-COVID era
Entrepreneur development and cooperatives minister has said SMEs must ready themselves with digital technology.
Two thirds of large South Korean companies negative on hiring
Some 63.6% of the largest 500 companies in South Korea surveyed said that they have no plans for recruitment.
India’s unemployment rate back to pre-lockdown level in February
The Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) has said the country’s unemployment rate has fallen to 6.9% in February from 7.3% last July.
WFH to remain as default as Malaysia loosens movement control restrictions
The government has replaced the Movement Control Order (MCO) in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Johor and Penang to a conditional MCO (CMCO).
China aims to create more new urban jobs in 2021
Premier Li Keqiang has said China plans to create more than 11 million new urban jobs this year, an increase from last year’s goal of over 9 million.
Staggered working hours and remote working encouraged in Singapore
Spreading out commuter crowds on buses and trains during peak hours would help ensure the financial sustainability and efficiency of public transport.
Singapore launches online tool to assess employees’ mental health
The Ministry of Manpower has launched iWorkHealth – a digital tool to identify areas of stress for employees, and on how to deal with them.
Malaysia allocates RM$7 million to accelerate COVID-19 screening for foreign workers
Malaysia allocates RM$7 million to accelerate COVID-19 screening for foreign workers
Vietnam’s labour ministry rejects proposal for raising minimum wage
The labour ministry has vetoed a proposal for hiking the country’s minimum wage this year, saying Vietnam has yet to recover from the pandemic.
South Korea aims to create 300,000 service sector jobs by 2025
The government aims to help small shop owners and firms set up a smart business system to support their transition into contactless operations.
Redefining the role of L&D to bring about organisational success
Learning Technologies Asia 2021 will examine how organisations can develop their learning strategies to stay ahead, innovate and grow.
“No vaccination, no work” policy is illegal in the Philippines
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has said a “no vaccination, no work” policy enforced by any company or employer is illegal.
Malaysia aims to bridge the digital divide among workers
All Malaysians should seize the opportunities made available under the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint, says Malaysian minister.
Hiring demand in Taiwan expected to spike in Q2 2021
The Ministry of Labor (MOL) has said the demand for workers should rise in Q2 this year due mainly to the expansion in the electronics sector.
Singapore to raise retirement and re-employment age in 2022
The government also aims to support business transformation, help older workers, and spur the hiring of locals this year.
New Zealand opens new wage subsidy applications
Finance minister Grant Robertson has announced that employers can start to apply for the latest government wage subsidies.
South Korea rolls out 15 trillion won support for small businesses
With the extra budget, total government spending would rise to a record 573 trillion won this year, up 11.9% from 2020, the finance ministry said.
Japan’s unemployment falls, job availability rises
Despite the country being in a pandemic state of emergency, its unemployment rate declined and job availability increased, government statistics revealed.
Foreigners on a dependant’s pass will need a work pass to work in Singapore
Businesses hiring DP holders will have to comply with the requirements for hiring, which includes the relevant quotas, levies and qualifying salaries.
Gender pay gap in Australia drops marginally
The Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) has said the national gender pay gap decreased by 0.6 percentage points to 13.4% in the past six months.
Japan installs teleworking booths in city metros
These teleworking cubes have since been installed at various stations and office building entrances across cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.
New Zealand unions urge workplaces to adopt safe practices
The Council of Trade Unions (CTU) and Business New Zealand (BNZ) have called on workplaces to help the country get through the pandemic safely.
Thai workforce needs to learn digital skills, urges official
Businesses should speed up on training programmes for skills development for their workers as companies have turned to automation and AI, Pichayanan said.
Australian employees given choice to increase working incomes
The Australian government is looking to allow employees to choose between increased take-home pay and higher pension contributions.
Japan adopts new bill for more flexible paternity leave
With the revision, fathers can take leave in two batches, and will receive employment insurance benefits equivalent to 67% of their pre-leave wages.
Workers in India among the most overworked and paid the least: ILO
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has said Indian employees ranked among the highest at being overworked and earned the least.
Job security is about staying employable
Singapore’s priority is to build upon the skills and experience that workers have accumulated, while breaking down barriers to new jobs.
Singapore MP proposes formalising labour laws to protect locals
Labour MP Patrick Tay has said the country needs more formal labour laws instead of mere advisories and guidelines to protect local workers.
Malaysia approves RM1.259 billion of financing for SME support
Under the National Economic Recovery Plan, the scheme prioritises SMEs that have not received financing from banks previously.