Thailand unlikely to implement blanket minimum wage
The tripartite national wage committee is expected to propose a hike in minimum wages in August, but a flat-rate wage of 492 baht (US$14.3) a day is unlikely.
China aims to improve employment for disabled workers
Jobs will be created for the disabled at government departments, public institutions, state-owned enterprises and private businesses.
Singapore strives to improve skills training for workforce
To stay competitive, the country’s employer’s bodies have been urged to effectively communicate their skills training needs to training institutions.
Number of South Korean workers taking parental leave falls
The fall in numbers in 2021 was attributed to the increase in parental leave taken in 2020 when schools and kindergartens closed due to COVID-19.
Industries in Vietnam boost recruitment
More than 36,500 new jobs were created in Ho Chi Minh City in the first quarter, 1,800 more than the same period last year.
Japan’s unemployment rate falls to lowest level in almost two years
Compared to a month earlier, the number of workers rose by 180,000 in March, while workers who were unemployed fell by 90,000 over the same month.
Call to cut wages of those working from home contested in Malaysia
The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has come under fire over a call to cut the wages of employees working from home.
Fewer workers in Singapore prefer working from home than before
Last July and August, 34% of workers said that they felt that working from home on most days was the new normal, but this fell further in April 2022.
160,000 employers in Hong Kong expected to seek wage subsidy
About 160,000 employers are expected to apply for the latest round of pandemic wage subsidies under the employment support scheme (ESS).
One quarter of workers in South Korea still face workplace harassment
Some 23.5% of 2,000 respondents to a recent survey indicated that they had experienced harassment in the workplace in the last 12 months
Permanent flexible work arrangements called for in Singapore
Even as the country eases workplace restrictions, employers are encouraged to permanently offer flexible work arrangements.
China focuses on job creation to help cushion economy
The country’s surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.5% in Q1’2022, up 0.1 percentage points year-on-year, according to official data.
Malaysia’s work subsidy programme retains 2.96 million jobs
The government has channeled RM20.68 billion (US$4.78 billion) to 357,703 employers via its Wage Subsidy Programme (WSP) as of April 8.
Major employers in Australia stick to vaccine mandate
New South Wales is removing most of its vaccination mandates next month, although Victoria has not announced an end to its vaccination mandates.
China launches private pension scheme
China has launched the first private pension scheme in the country, paving the way for workers to invest and supplement funds in their pension accounts.
India’s MSME sector expected to rebound with 15% growth in 2022
Recovery was observed over the last few months in sectors like construction, exports, commodities and consumption as COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.
Bringing in-person connection back to Asia’s HR community
HR Tech Festival Asia 2022 is taking place from 10-13 May 2022 and includes the in-person HR Tech Fest Live on May 10.
Indonesia pushes for gender indicators in business reports
B20 Indonesia has recommended including gender indicators in mandatory business reports for companies in G20 member countries.
Workers in Singapore can return to the workplace from April 26
Employees will also be allowed to remove masks when they are not interacting physically with others and when they are not in customer-facing areas.
Big companies in India continue hybrid work policies
In view of the recent spike in COVID-19 cases, companies are asking workers to continue work from home, or are adopting a hybrid system.
Majority of New Zealanders seeking jobs rely on Jobseeker Support
A total of 177,642 people were receiving Jobseeker Support as of end-March, and of these people, some 100,854 were “work ready”.
Impact of minimum wage hike concerns Vietnam companies
The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) has proposed that the increase in minimum wage be postponed till January 1 next year.
Greenfield agreements expected to boost Australian businesses and jobs
Such an agreement offers employers flexibility with the circumstances of their workers, covering conditions like pay, for instance.
Japan running out of funds for parental leave allowances
The ballooning cost to provide allowances for employees who take parental leave is causing fears of a fund shortage.
Malaysia to implement new minimum wage from May 1
Beside the wage hike, the government also aims to create 300,000 jobs for the homeless this year, under its Zero Homelessness Initiative.
Thailand calls for workplace safety as employees return to office
Employers are reminded to look after their workers and take precautionary measures if they choose to hold gatherings.
Firms in Vietnam want reforms for favourable business environment
Many drafted regulations were raising concerns among companies that the policies would impose an additional cost burden on businesses.
Japan moots scheme to insure all workers in the country
The government will soon initiate discussions on expanding the coverage of employee pensions and health insurance programmes to all workers.
Thailand urges firms to WFH for a week after Songkran holiday
Businesses and organisations should adopt a policy of working from home for between 5 and 7 days, said the Department of Disease Control.
3.22 million workers in South Korea paid less than minimum wage
The number of workers who were paid less than the minimum wage was 3,215,000 last year, the second highest annual figure after 2019’s 3,386,000.