Employers in New Zealand get US$252 for self-isolating staff
The government has launched the Short-Term Absence Payment (STAP) – a scheme to help businesses and staff affected by the pandemic.
Hong Kong seeks to relax subsidy criteria for low-income workers
The basic subsidy for low-income families, once relaxed, would benefit around 24,000 more underemployed households.
Philippine House speaker submits US$8.7billon COVID-19 relief bill
Lord Allan Velasco has submitted a pandemic-relief bill of 420 billion peso (US$8.7 billion) to Congress to spur the economy into recovery.
Singapore government looks to hire more private sector talent
The end goal is to have “greater porosity” between the public sector and the outside world, said Minister Chan Chun Sing.
Singapore employers not looking to adjust pay despite new norm of WFH
Most employers are not considering adjusting their staff’s salary even as remote working has become a trend.
MEF wants all economic sectors to resume operations in Malaysia
The continued closure due to movement controls will inevitably lead to bankruptcy and unemployment, cautions the Malaysian Employers’ Federation.
Task force set up in the Philippines to create jobs
Key government agencies have signed a joint memorandum circular to set up the National Employment Recovery Strategy (NERS) Task Force.
HR support key to help workforce navigate uncertain future
Human resource management cannot be considered as a support function in an organisation, but rather a strategic partner, says Brunei minister.
70,000 jobs can be created in Malaysia with 1% increase in GDP
The Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER) said the local economy has the capacity to create 70,000 jobs for every 1% increase in its GDP.
Some 300,000 Australians benefit from wage hike
This covers the country’s retail, fast food and warehouse workers, as well as those who work in aviation, arts and recreation, and tourism.
Thailand prepares to launch pandemic relief package
Prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has given the go-ahead for financial aid costing 40 billion baht to help employees left out under previous schemes.
Japan’s non-regular workers yet to receive compensation for forced leave
Some 33.4% of non-regular workers received no compensation for forced leave, as compared to 14.8% for regular staff, a survey shows.
New Zealand’s unexpected jobless-rate drop rules out rate cuts
The unemployment rate fell unexpectedly and salaries increased, ruling out the probability that the central bank will reduce interest rates.
South Korea mulls additional relief for self-employed and small businesses
The supplementary budget is reported to be in the scale of 20 trillion won (US$17.9 billion) to 30 trillion won (US$26.8 billion).
Malaysia eschews strict lockdown to keep jobs
Finance minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz said the government will not impose a strict lockdown as it would impact the country’s 900,000 SMEs severely.
Hong Kong’s minimum wage to remain at HK$37.50 an hour
The decision was made after a review from government officials, academics and business representatives showed majority consensus.
Union calls for wage subsidies in the Philippines
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) has called on the government to provide immediate subsidies for workers struggling financially.
New Zealand’s tech sector constrained by skills mismatch
The majority of roles being recruited are not for entry level positions, indicating a longer-term skills shortage for senior talent.
Malaysian youths exhorted to keep abreast of digitalisation
Yayasan Peneraju said the country’s young human capital needs to be retrained and upskilled to keep up with digitalisation trends.
India proposes launch of portal to collect gig worker data
The data could help formulate health, housing, skill, insurance, credit and food schemes for migrant workers, says the finance minister.
Ascender to be acquired by Ceridian
The transaction, which is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021, will see the companies providing the ‘most comprehensive’ payroll and human capital management solutions in APJ.
Singapore fines companies which breached COVID-19 safety rules
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has fined 42 more companies for not following workplace safety regulations.
Japan’s youths hit hard by pandemic-led job losses
While the number of regular jobs increased 0.5% in 2020, that of non-regular jobs — including part-time roles — fell 3.9%.
Workers in the Philippines to be upskilled in AI
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has launched an AI programme to prepare workers for disruption from technological advancement.
Companies in Malaysia to help with COVID-19 vaccination and tests
This will help the country manage the economy better, and help industry players affected by the pandemic, Malaysia’s HR minister says.
New Zealand’s union calls for sick leave for new employees
The Council of Trade Unions (CTU) is pushing for the removal of the rule that workers must be employed for six months before getting sick leave.
Opportunities for gig-working in India rises
India’s lockdown period saw companies adopt a WFH arrangement for their staff, cutting down on staff strength, hiring freelancers and outsourcing tasks.
Taiwan protects working rights of middle-aged and senior workers
The Executive Yuan has passed a new Act to address the challenges of an ageing population and potential future labour shortages.
Only 37% of firms meet Japan government’s push to telecommute
The survey by business lobby Keidanren also found that the number of people commuting to work was reduced by 65%, or around 870,000.
Singapore’s resident employment rebounds to pre-pandemic levels
At the end of 2020, resident employment increased by 28,900, rising for the second consecutive quarter after growing 43,200 in 3Q.