Taiwan sees low labour participation rate from older workers
Among Taiwan’s middle-aged and older populations, some 5.74 million people were unemployed last year, citing reasons such as their age.
More legal safeguards for freelancers in Japan
The government is planning to require more companies to provide written contracts when they hire freelancers.
Over 20,000 roles available in Singapore’s infocomm sector
The number of roles still available comes after almost 16,200 job seekers were placed in positions within the sector at end-May.
Cambodia urged to future-proof jobs with digital skills
The UNDP in Cambodia has launched the “Youth Employment Project” to upskill and/or reskill the young workforce in the country with digital skills.
Taiwan extends subsidy for workers with pay cut
From August 23, workers whose income fell by at least 20% during July would be able to apply for the subsidy.
India mulls gradual increase of retirement age
An advisory council to the prime minister has recommended raising the retirement age in phases, and to focus on creating jobs for older workers.
South Korea’s wages lag behind OECD average
The annual wage for employees in South Korea posted US$41,960 on average in 2020, compared to the OECD average of US$49,165.
Unvaccinated employees barred from workplaces should be paid wages
The Philippines wants unvaccinated workers not allowed by their employers to enter workplaces to be paid for being present.
Easing of restrictions would help boost businesses in Malaysia
In 2020, the MSME sector, spanning over 1.15 million businesses, employed 7.3 million people, or almost half of the country’s workforce.
Indonesia preps more women for work in industrial sector
The Industry Ministry is training more women to master the latest technologies to support innovation and increase productivity in the industrial sector.
South Korea add more jobs but growth slows down in July
COVID-19 curbs slowed down job growth in July, although the country reported job additions for its fifth consecutive month.
Malaysia’s unemployment rate rises to 4.8% in June
The unemployment rate rose month-on-month to 4.8% in June, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).
Australian companies allowed to collect workers’ vaccination status
Under the guidelines, employers should be able to take the necessary precautions should their workers be unvaccinated.
Thailand increases aid to COVID-infected state employees
A new regulation that boosts the financial assistance offered to state enterprise employees infected with COVID-19 has taken effect.
Indonesia distributes Rp$947 billion in wage subsidies
Eligible recipients will receive Rp$1 million for two consecutive months, and will have to be registered with the Workers Social Security Agency.
Creating an inclusive workplace for the future of work
HR Tech Festival Asia Online 2021 will shine a spotlight on how ASEAN countries are working to promote inclusivity in the workplace.
“No vaccine, no work” policy examined in the Philippines
A labour group has urged the Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE) to investigate companies which discriminate against unvaccinated workers.
Beijing awards additional maternity leave for third child
This is on top of an additional 30 days of maternity leave that mothers of a third child were awarded at end-May.
Vietnam’s southern provinces seek to end stay-at-work arrangements
Many companies in the southern part of the country are seeking approval to allow their staff to go back to their own residences.
Taiwan sees fall in furloughed workers in first week of August
This was largely due to the improvement in employment in the F&B, wholesale and retail sectors, based on official data.
Employers to exercise discretion on mandating vaccination: Australian PM
The country will not enact special laws to mandate vaccination, but employers can make inoculation compulsory in high-risk environments.
Reopening of Malaysian businesses depends on risk of COVID-19 infection
Malaysia’s National Security Council is expected to announce the reopening of business sectors on the week of August 9.,
India’s female labour participation fell to 16.1%
Recently released government statistics showed that the employment rate of women dropped to 16.1% in the third quarter last year.
Japan’s summer bonuses fall for third consecutive year
The survey by the Japan Business Federation found that the pandemic impacted businesses in the non-manufacturing sectors the most.
Singapore to allow 50% of staff to return to workplaces from August 19
Up to half of employees will be permitted to return to their workplaces starting August 19 as the country prepares to relax its pandemic restrictions.
Malaysia creates 320,000 jobs through dedicated jobs programme
To help people find jobs, the government has allocated RM2 billion (US$0.47 billion) under the PenjanaKerjaya programme.
Employers should not use government relief funds for workers’ pay
Taiwan’s New Power Party (NPP) has raised the issue of employers using pandemic relief funds to pay their staff’s salaries.
New Zealand’s wage inflation rises 2.1% in the year-to-June quarter
The labour cost index (LCI) of all salary and wages, including overtime pay, increased by 2.1%, showing an increase of 1.6% in the year-to-March 2021 quarter.
Japan steps up vaccination at more workplaces
More workplaces are scheduled to start their on-site vaccination programmes In August, said prime minister Yoshihide Suga.
South Korea officially sets next year’s minimum wage rate at 9,160 won
The new rate will take effect on 1 January 2022, translating to a monthly wage of 1.91 million won (US$1,672), and will apply across all industries.