New Zealand temp staff unable to access wage subsidy scheme
The issue of recruitment agencies not being able to access governmental wage subsidies is being examined and discussed.
Singapore explores more pervasive use of COVID-19 tests at the workplace
Authorities are looking into the wider use of antigen rapid tests at the workplace and will be establishing further testing guidelines.
Australian senate passes workplace sexual harassment bill
The Sex Discrimination and Fair Work (Respect at Work) Amendment Bill of 2021 protects all Australians from workplace sexual harassment.
Malaysia’s SME association against GST implementation in 2022
The association warned that SMEs were in their most vulnerable stage and would likely shut down if the economy remained closed.
Government to help SMEs get digitally equipped in Thailand
The Ministry of Commerce is providing assistance to SMEs to be digitally equipped to get through the pandemic.
New Zealand considers additional COVID-19 support for firms
Over 25,000 businesses have signed an Auckland Business Chamber petition calling for the provision of more financial support.
No proof of vaccination during recruitment in Taiwan
The Workforce Development Agency (WDA) has stated that employers are not allowed to ask potential hires for proof of COVID vaccination.
Men earn 1.6 times higher wages than women in South Korea
The gender wage gap, which measures the rate of men’s average pay to that of women, measured 35.9% in 2020.
Job task force in the Philippines attracts participation interest
Business groups and unions have said they wish to contribute to the formation of the government’s employment recovery plan.
Large Japanese firms see 8% drop in summer bonuses
A survey by the Japan Business Federation took into account the agreed bonuses of 159 Tokyo-listed firms with over 500 employees.
Aid for businesses take precedent over minimum wage: Taiwan minister
Taiwan is deliberating on the minimum wage for 2022, even as some businesses continue to struggle financially because of the pandemic.
Victoria state reskills mid-career workers for digital jobs
After 12 weeks of training in a new A$64 million programme, workers will be placed in a 12-week paid internship with a Victorian firm.
Factory owners in Malaysia urged to set up workplace vaccination centres
Factory owners who employ foreign workers have been advised to set up their own vaccination centres (PPVs) at their work premises.
Some 70% of South Korean firms telework due to pandemic
A survey found that over 43% of companies did not see their level of productivity affected by remote work.
New Zealand accountants urge for WFH tax policy
Chartered accountants in the country are calling for tax laws to be passed as working from home becomes the new norm.
Singapore redoubles efforts to support lower-wage workers
The Progressive Wage Model will be expanded to new sectors such as retail, food services and waste management.
Driving human experience by adopting a skills-first approach
With people at the heart of any organisation, upskilling and reskilling will be key in creating a motivated workforce.
HRM Asia Readers’ Choice Awards 2021: Voting now open!
Cast your vote now and help determine who are the best HR industry partners and solutions providers in 2021.
Thailand to boost employment through Eastern Economic Corridor
The Labour Ministry is aiming to create almost 400,000 jobs in the country’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) within the next five years.
China expects skills mismatch in future labour market
The country’s new five-year employment plan pledged to boost skill levels in the economy, with a focus on vocational education.
Singapore’s fair employment guidelines to become law
The current guidelines on anti-discrimination at workplaces will be “enshrined” into law, giving the fair employment watchdog more teeth.
Business association urges Malaysia to reopen borders to boost businesses
Samenta also calls on for the exemption of hotel quarantines for business travellers who are fully vaccinated and have tested negative for COVID-19.
Protection for persons who administer vaccination in Australia
A compensation scheme has been launched to protect employers and medical professionals who carry out COVID-19 vaccinations.
Singapore supports low-wage workers, extends COVID-19 tests aid
Singapore will ramp up the funding of a scheme that helps local workers whose earnings are in the bottom 20%, receiving not more than S$2,300 a month.
Indonesia launches more community-based vocational training centres
Stage 1 of the community-based vocational training center (BLK) has been launched to improve the competency of the country’s human resources.
More Japanese public servants take up paternity leave
Some 97.2% of the male national public servants whose children were born between July 2020 and March 2021 took paternity leave for at least a month.
HRM Asia Readers’ Choice Awards: Last day to nominate!
Nominations for the coveted HRM Asia Readers’ Choice Awards 2021 will close on August 31, so act now before it’s too late!
New contracts in New Zealand can include vaccination requirement
Workplace relations minister has confirmed that COVID-19 vaccination requirements can be written into new employment agreements.
More vaccines allocated for selected workers in the Philippines
The government is currently looking to ramp up its vaccination of priority groups, which include workers in essential industries.
37% of 24,042 companies in Japan breached overtime laws
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare found that 37% of 24,042 businesses investigated have violated overtime laws.