Hong Kong’s unemployment rate falls to a 12-month low
Hong Kong’s jobless rate fell for three consecutive months to a one-year low in May, as the economy continues to recover from the pandemic.
Singapore maintains WFH as default arrangement, extends jobs support
Workers cannot be cross-deployed to multiple worksites, and employers need to implement flexible working hours and staggered start times.
Australia increases minimum wage by 2.5% to benefit 2.2 million workers
The Fair Wage Commission (FWC) has raised the minimum wage and related award minimum wages by 2.5%.
Philippines incentivises vaccinated workers with freebies
Some 1,000 essential workers from Metro Manila and another thousand from other regions are expected to benefit from the programme.
Employment in Singapore recovers better than expected in 1st quarter
Total employment in the country grew in the first quarter this year, signaling a recovery in the local labour market.
Malaysia manufacturers union call for additional COVID-19 stimulus
This follows after the nation extended its movement control order (MCO) 3.0 for another two weeks from June 15 to June 28.
South Korea rejects further extension to delay 52-hour work week
Companies employing between five and 49 workers will have to comply with the 52-hour work week by next month.
Cambodia re-skills unemployed and furloughed workers
6,500 workers have received special and been awarded with a dedicated technical and vocational certificate, in preparation for re-employment.
Malaysian Employers Federation calls for assistance for small businesses
The employers’ group has urged the government to provide a moratorium on compulsory contributions to tide small businesses through tough times.
Taiwan firms want tax breaks, COVID-19 vaccines and wage subsidies
72.59% of manufacturers want a business tax break, while 71.25% would like to receive wage subsidies to help them meet their payroll costs, a survey finds.
India’s unemployment rate falls amid easing of lockdown
The country’s urban unemployment rate fell 5.0 percentage points to 9.7% month-on-month for the week which ended on June 13.
Many Australian companies unwilling to increase wages
In place of higher wages, companies are instead offering one-off bonuses and flexible working arrangements, says the Reserve Bank of Australia.
South Korea’s government urged to delay implementing longer work week
Small businesses in the country have asked for more time to prepare for the 52-hour work week, which is set to be implemented next month.
Japan’s older workers are motivated to work longer
40.2% of Japanese people aged 60 and above want to work or continue in their jobs, a government survey has found.
Australian government launches online tool to aid hiring of new staff
Business owners can now make use of a new online tool developed by the government to hire their first employee, potentially preventing costly mistakes.
Malaysia’s SME Association urges decisive measures to tackle pandemic
It proposed a one-month state of emergency where all economic activities are halted, while essential services continue to operate at 50% capacity.
Online market can boost job creation for women in the Philippines
Online work can provide women with more employment opportunities, though it comes with its own limitations and challenges, says DOLE official.
Bank of Thailand extends debt restructuring measures for SMEs
The debt moratorium has been extended from June 30 to December, and will be applicable to SMEs hit by the economic uncertainty due to the pandemic.
Some unvaccinated employees face discrimination in Hong Kong
Employees who face discrimination if they refused to be vaccinated may be able to mount a legal challenge, depending if it is “reasonable or necessary.”
Malaysian companies must shoulder additional costs for vaccination
Companies participating in the programme that sees their employees vaccinated need to pay for the additional costs involved.
Malaysia’s central bank gets soft loans approved for SMEs
Bank Negara Malaysia has facilitated around RM12.06 billion (US$2.9 billion) worth of soft loans for SMEs which have been approved by local banks.
Japan pushes for higher wages across regions
Across the country, Japan aims to achieve a national average of ¥1,000 per hour and narrow the pay gap between regions.
South Korea mulls vaccination at companies producing chips
Workers at chip and electronic companies may be vaccinated to reduce disruptions to the production of computer chips which are in short supply globally.
Australia’s payroll jobs rise 0.3%, higher growth for male workers
Over the period, payroll jobs showed the largest increase in Queensland and the Northern Territory, each rising by 0.6% and 0.5% respectively.
Taiwan shortens rest times between shifts for workers
The Ministry of Labour (MOL) has temporarily lowered the number of rest hours workers must get between shifts from 11 to eight for four industries.
Companies in Singapore to adopt WFH as default arrangement
Businesses are advised to stagger the start times of employees and implement flexible working hours, and refrain from cross-deploying workers.
Indonesia’s VP urges workers to increase their preparedness
High unemployment and low competitive edge are the result of workers’ unpreparedness to adapt to changes in the job market and industry, he said.
Malaysia’s unemployment rate falls to 4.6% in April
The number of unemployed persons in April totalled 742,700 persons, falling by 0.1 percentage point or 10,500 persons month-on-month.
Vietnam proposes US$1.2 billion COVID-19 relief package
The VND27,600 billion (US$1.2 billion) relief package will support workers and businesses badly hit by the pandemic.
Japan approves flexible paternity leave
Fathers will be able to take a total of four weeks off within eight weeks of their child’s birth, and can choose to split the period into two breaks.