Two in three SMEs in Malaysia pessimistic on recovery for 2021
A survey revealed that only 16% of SMEs expect their businesses to recover only in 2023, citing movement restrictions as dampening business demand.
Skills framework launched in the Philippines
The Philippine Skills Framework (PSF) has been launched to link the government, industry and the academia to upskill workers.
Governments urged to build comprehensive WFH policies
Earlier in June, India issued an advisory to encourage WFH for all nursing mothers for at least a year, in jobs where remote work is possible.
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Australian companies struggle to find suitable employees
According to a survey by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 27% of businesses have difficulty in finding suitable staff.
India seeks to reduce gender gap in the workplace
India has fallen 28 places to rank 140th among 156 countries in gender gap parity, according to a World Economic Forum report.
Taiwan to approve 1 million pandemic relief loans
More than double the expected 500,000 people had applied for COVID-19 relief loans from the Ministry of Labour (MOL).
Singapore extends deadlines for loan repayments
With continued economic recovery, the central bank intends to move away from industry-wide credit reliefs to more targeted support measures.
Malaysia provides assistance to workers and employers
The Ministry of Human Resources has urged workers and employers affected by the pandemic to apply for benefits under the Employment Insurance System.
Employment a key national priority for Reserve Bank of Australia
The Australian central bank is committed to maintaining a monetary policy that will support the country’s employment and inflation goals.
New Zealand retail workers’ pay rises 6.1%
Amid a shortage of experienced retail staff, employers have been forced to increase wages to retain and attract talent.
Most Japan companies plan to conduct workplace COVID-19 vaccinations
To speed up the vaccination rate in the country, a nationwide plan allows companies and universities to run their own vaccination drives.
Philippine employer groups to create 1 million new jobs
The Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) is leading several business groups in pledging to create at least 1 million new jobs.
Cambodian government doles out subsidy to workers
These are workers who were not able to work due the lockdown, and each will receive about US$40 as part of the social assistance programme.
Australia’s NSW state to launch paid miscarriage leave
All New South Wales (NSW) public-sector workers will be entitled to five days of paid leave if they suffer a miscarriage of a child.
Malaysia remains committed to ensuring business continuity
The government still has a balance of RM$6 billion for its wage subsidy programme, which can guarantee wage payments for 2.7 million workers.
Singapore employers to get S$2.2 billion in wage subsidies
Under the Jobs Support Scheme, more than 140,000 employers will receive wage subsidies totaling S$2.2 billion (US$1.6 billion) from June 30.
South Korea undecided on minimum wage rate
The Minimum Wage Commission reported that the current minimum hourly wage rate of 8,720 won (US$7.69) is not sufficient to cover the cost of living.
Japan engages companies to boost vaccination drive
Vaccination in the country is getting a shot in the arm as thousands of companies start inoculating their employees.
Malaysia turns to e-payrolls to streamline business operations
The digital system will be able to automate and combine various payroll, compensation and deduction functions into one simple application.
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Japan promotes 4-day work-week option
The government is supporting the proposal to let employees choose a four-day work week in its annual economic policy guideline.
Malaysian employers group calls for coordinated COVID-19 enforcement
Enforcement authorities create more confusion, instead of allowing employers to focus on carrying out their duties, said the MEF president.
Sacked New Zealand border staff mounts legal challenge to dismissal
A border worker who was dismissed for refusing to get the COVID-19 jab has brought her case to the Employment Relations Authority (ERA).
Australia’s unemployment falls to 5.1% in May 2021
The number of employed women rose by 69,000, while the number of employed men increased by 46,000.
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.