New Zealand raises minimum wage and taxes on the rich
The move to raise minimum wage from the current NZ$20.0 (US$13.5) to NZ$21.2 (US$14.3) per hour has drawn widespread criticism from businesses.
Wage subsidies support employment of 2.95 million workers in Malaysia
As of February 18, a total of RM21.72 million has been channelled to 902 MSMEs under the Indian Community Entrepreneur Development Scheme.
60% of women in Cambodia are business owners
Minister of Labour and Vocational Training Ith Samheng has said that more than 60% of women in the kingdom are business owners or entrepreneurs.
Thailand’s jobless rate falls as COVID-19 curbs ease
The impact of the Omicron variant on economic activity has not been significant, allowing activities within the country to proceed.
Singapore discourages incentive schemes tied to attendance
Enforcement action may be taken on employers who continue to implement attendance-tied incentive schemes from next year.
Jobs creation a priority for the Philippines in 2022
In conjunction with the National Economic Recovery Strategy, the Employers Confederation of the Philippines has pledged to create 1 million jobs.
Japan group set up to protect gig workers’ rights
Currently, gig workers are considered self-employed and therefore not guaranteed a minimum wage or employment insurance.
Retirement age to be progressively raised in China
Jiangsu will be the country’s first province to allow workers to postpone retirement next month in a bid to decrease social welfare spending.
South Korea sees slower growth of jobs in Q3’2021
The number of jobs for workers in their 60s and above rose by 243,000, recording the highest increase among all age groups.
13.5% of workers in Taiwan not given overtime pay
Although work satisfaction increased to 72.5% last year, 13.5% of workers reported that they did not get extra pay for working overtime.
Gender pay gap in Australia falls to 13.8%
The full-time wage gap between male and female workers amounted to A$255 per week, marking the second lowest national pay gap in the last 20 years.
How organisations can plan their work transformation strategy
The Institute for Human Resource Professionals (IHRP) has developed playbooks to help SMEs in Singapore achieve digital and work transformation.
South Korea approves extra budget to help businesses
The country’s parliament has passed a larger-than-planned first extra budget of this year amid the biggest outbreak of the pandemic to date.
Malaysia partners with on-demand work platform to protect gig workers
Gig workers on the platform with existing EPF accounts can give their consent to opt into the programme and set their contribution rate.
China to launch policies supporting SMEs
To help SMEs tide over the pandemic, the government will implement more supportive policies to help SMEs operationally and financially.
Victoria sets aside A$200 million stimulus for firms
A$34.2 million of funding will be used to place workers in over 1,500 jobs across hospitality, warehousing and logistics, and tourism.
Taiwan’s gender pay gap rises to 15.8% in 2021
The pay gap between the hourly wage of male workers and that of female ones averaged NT$57 or 15.8% last year, according to the Ministry of Labour.
Businesses in Malaysia urged to pay workers higher wages
Although the government is still discussing the minimum wage hike, some firms are already paying more than the minimum wage.
Australia enforces payment of workers’ superannuation
The Australian Taxation Office will penalise employers who fail to pay workers’ superannuation after delaying its enforcement due to the pandemic.
Indonesia expects to create 20 to 45 million jobs through digitalisation
Improving the skills of Indonesian workers will also be a priority, said National Development Planning Minister Suharso Monoarfa.
How companies can successfully manage risk in Asia
A new report by Aon provides insights into issues such as human capital risk and employee financial wellbeing.
Malaysia introduces new scheme to increase employment
The RM40 billion (US$9.6 billion) SemarakNiaga Keluarga Malaysia programme is designed to create jobs and help businesses recover.
Australian federal public service urged to extend parental leave entitlements
Employees who experience miscarriage or still birth should also be provided with paid leave, said the Community and Public Sector Union.
South Korean companies call for business tax incentives
CEOs have urged the next government to increase tax revenue by strengthening the economy instead of hiking taxes on businesses.
New Zealand rolls out COVID-19 support to businesses
To qualify for the handout, businesses must show a 40% drop in revenue over seven consecutive days during the six weeks prior to February 15.
Singapore provides reskilling opportunities for older workers
Most of the people who have difficulty obtaining jobs are typically in their 50s and 60s and have educational qualifications below a diploma.
Malaysia studies move to increase minimum wage
Despite the rollout of government work support initiatives, employers have been reluctant to offer decent salaries to potential workers.
Australia saw jobs availability increase in January
The number of available jobs rose by 12,900 in January, an increase of 0.1% from December, according to Statistics Australia.
Japan to focus on flexible working in upcoming labour talks
The Japanese Trade Union Confederation wants businesses to define workplace rules related to the eligibility for remote work.
SIT’s holistic approach to education readies next generation of employees
SIT’s undergraduate degree programmes provide competencies beyond industry-relevant technical skills for students entering the workforce.