Relief package for self-employed in South Korea
41 trillion won (US$31.3 billion) over two years in special loans will be provided to self-employed and merchants hard hit by pandemic restrictions.
Firms in Malaysia told to pay minimum wage rate
The Ministry of Human Resources has so far found 118 employers in breach of the Minimum Wages Order 2022, which has been in effect since May 1.
Taiwan wants to equip workforce with AI skills
Unions can apply for subsidies to train workers in artificial intelligence (AI) to prepare the workforce for disruptions brought by a changing labour market.
Japan to launch ministry promoting startups
It aims to increase the number of startups in the country by 10 times over five years, further driving the nation’s economic growth.
Improving employee wellbeing in New Zealand
The 2015 Health and Safety at Work Act in New Zealand requires workplaces to look after the physical and mental health and wellbeing of staff.
More job opportunities for disabled workers in the Philippines
Under the country’s regulations, at least 1% of all positions in government agencies, offices, or corporations should be reserved for PWDs.
Companies in Japan allow employees to postpone retirement
About 25.6% of companies are heeding a government directive to allow employees to voluntarily work until they are 70 years old.
Australia’s public service updates remote working guidance
Amid a COVID-19 spike, public agencies are responsible for setting their own working arrangements and updating them.
New Zealand court ruling discourages employees from speaking up
Toy company Zuru plans to sue former employees who anonymously wrote scathing online reviews of the company.
More workers continue to find employment in Cambodia
Cambodia’s unemployment rate is expected to be at 0.31% this year, which is the lowest in South-East Asia, reported the ASEAN Information Centre (AIC).
Malaysia has no plans to introduce menstrual leave
Female employees reportedly do not request for menstrual-related leave due to embarrassment and a fear of being seen as unproductive.
Employees of SMEs in Japan to be paid more
To retain and attract talent, 50.9% of SMEs have either implemented or plan to implement a raise in wages in fiscal year 2022.
Australians want superannuation to be paid on parental leave
Some 80% respondents to a survey supported the move, indicating clear community support for paying superannuation on parental leave.
Remuneration key to retaining employees in Singapore
Driven by a mix of factors, more than half of Singapore employees (51%) are likely to quit their jobs in the next 12 months.
Malaysia urged to cover workers’ wages for maternity leave
From September 1, the cost of the 90-day maternity leave would be fully borne by employers in Malaysia, without government support.
Companies in Australia urged to work remotely
Companies have been urged to allow their employees to work from home and implement mask wearing in the office to combat a new Omicron wave.
South Korean business lobby calls for wage growth to slow down
A continued growth in wage will weaken business competitiveness and lead to price hikes and inflation, claimed the Federation of Korean Industries.
Majority of university seniors in Japan secure job offers
83.3% of university seniors, scheduled to graduate next March, have secured job offers as of July 1, including some who have received multiple offers.
Firms in Malaysia encouraged to hire persons with disabilities
The Ministry of Human Resources is working with several big companies to help provide employment opportunities for workers in this group.
Workplaces in Cambodia told to provide more breastfeeding facilities
The government has urged all workplaces with 100 or more women employees to install lactation rooms to support breastfeeding mothers.
India adapts rules for WFH arrangement
Workers who are covered include contractual workers, those who are travelling, temporarily incapacitated, and those who are working offsite.
Public service in Singapore embraces flexi-work
Hybrid working arrangements are becoming the norm in the public sector, which is taking the lead in the country’s endeavour to retain flexible work.
Australia urged to regulate gig platforms
About 13.8% of working age people living in Victoria have taken gig work with such platforms, and 7.4% are currently doing so.
China cracks down on discrimination against job applicants
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has vowed to punish employers who discriminate against job seekers who have had COVID-19.
Malaysia disburses RM21 billion in wage subsidies
The government’s third tranche of wage subsidy programme has helped keep 1.53 million workers in employment.
Mature workers in Singapore receive more help in career planning
The Structured Career Planning guidebook gives employers a framework to implement a process to engage staff on career and skills development.
China’s labour market sees improvement in first half of 2022
The government has pledged continued business support and relief measures to ensure employment stays strong in the country.
Laos to raise minimum wage from August 1
The monthly minimum wage in the country will be increased to 1.2 million kip (US$78) starting on August 1.
Calls for maternity leave to be extended in Australia
Research has shown that parental care leads to better developmental outcomes, which is key for success in school, the workplace and larger community.
China seeks better protection for gig workers
New regulations aim to serve the rights of workers, foster new skills, support startups, and ensure healthy and balanced development in the job market.