News - HRM Asia

Australia’s unions push back against calls for minimum wage delay

Major employer groups have argued for the Fair Work Commission to either impose a pay freeze or delay any pay hikes until February 2022.

Australia may allow employers to require staff to be vaccinated

In a first of its kind, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) has upheld the termination of a childcare worker who had refused to get a flu jab.

Japanese companies use various approaches when recruiting

A survey carried out from late March to early April saw 40 companies saying that they have increased or plan to increase mid-career hiring.

MSMEs in Indonesia urged to adopt digital technology

Minister of trade Muhammad Lutfi said the use of digital technology is vital for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to compete globally.

One of five part-timers in South Korea want to work longer

The number of individuals who worked less than 36 hours a week reached 5.9 million last month, marking an increase of 836,000, or 16.6% year-on-year.

Japan government pushes for digital wage payment amid safety concerns

The labour ministry is advocating for companies to adopt digital payrolls within the current fiscal year, though safety concerns remain.

Taiwan cabinet approves measures to attract foreign talent

The amendment to the law would also allow foreign professionals to enjoy greater tax concessions, from the current three years to five years.

Vietnamese workers’ average salary rises in first quarter

Data from the General Statistics Office (GSO) showed that the average income of workers rose 5.7% in Q1 compared to Q4 of 2020.

South Korea’s minimum wage under debate

The decision has to be made before August 5, which is the legal deadline for the Ministry of Employment and Labour to deliver an official notice to the public.

Thailand compiles list of 225,000 job vacancies for unemployed

To help workers made jobless by the latest COVID-19 wave, the country’s Ministry of Labour is compiling a list of more than 225,000 job vacancies.

Indian government advises staff to WFH

Various departments have asked their employees to report at staggered timings, while those living in COVID-19 containment zones are told to stay home.

8.8% of Malaysian workers paid below minimum wage

8.8% of workers in the country are paid a basic salary below the RM1,200 (US$291) monthly minimum wage.

Stay-at-home dads reached an all-time high in South Korea

Fathers in their 30s and 40s comprised 74.5% of stay-at-home dads, while those aged 60 and above comprised almost 18%.

Thailand advises those in high-risk areas to work from home for 2 weeks

The Ministry of Public Health’s advisory comes as the number of COVID-19 cases are expected to spike after the Songkran festival.

Singapore to improve employment opportunities for disabled people

Some of the plans to help those with disabilities have already been rolled out in 2020, while more will be rolled out progressively from the second half of 2021.

Wage gap between regular and non-regular workers grows in South Korea

In the past 10 years, the wage gap between regular and non-regular workers has increased by 490,000 won (US$438), up 47.6%.

Employers in Malaysia failed to meet standard housing requirements

Offences include uncertified accommodation, non-compliance with local authority laws and not providing rest and dining areas to employees.

Labour union in Japan calls for raise in minimum wage of essential workers

A labour union, representing low-paid essential workers across different sectors in Japan, has urged for minimum wages to be raised.

Malaysia boosts social enterprise growth

Through a new initiative, the government aims to provide a level playing field for social impact firms by supporting their job creation and innovation efforts.

70,700 new jobs created in Australia this March

Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showed that 70,700 net new jobs were created in March, double the expected 35,000.

New Zealand sees employment numbers grow

Job vacancies have also increased across all industries, with the highest growth in healthcare, manufacturing, construction and hospitality.

Taiwan employees get highest-ever year-end bonus

Despite the economic fallout from the pandemic, employees received the highest-ever average year-end bonus of NT$70,513 (US$2,478) last year.

South Korean workers need to learn how to work with machines

South Korea’s labour minister urged employees to be more adaptable to work in a fast-changing and high-tech environment.

Australia gives cash incentive for unemployed to relocate for work

To incentivise job seekers to move to new locations for work, the government is giving them an upfront cash payment of A$2,000 (US$1,539).

Most employers in Singapore looked beyond qualifications when hiring

71.5% of employers highlighted that relevant work experience and skills matter more as this allows the candidate to perform the job almost immediately.