Australia’s annual average full-time wage hits A$90,000
The country’s average annual salary breached the A$90,000 (US$64,191) mark for the first time, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Bank of Thailand relaxes debt assistance to support businesses
This includes the adjustment of its soft loan scheme to support liquidity for both existing and new SME borrowers by expanding their credit line.
Singapore reviews advisory for workers’ vaccination
COVID-19 vaccination guidelines that allow employers to make vaccination mandatory for workers in high-risk settings are being reviewed.
Japan encourages telework to bring down COVID-19 cases
Last week, Japan extended its state of emergency in Tokyo and other regions, and announced new measures that covered seven more prefectures.
Australia’s unemployment rate falls to 4.6% in July
The country’s unemployment rate fell 0.3 percentage points to 4.6% in July month-on-month even amid the lockdown in greater Sydney.
Cambodia to negotiate next year’s minimum wage
Worker unions and labour rights groups want the minimum wage to increase from US$192 to US$200 a month.
Vaccine mandates in Australia should be decided by employers
Unions and employer groups have generally taken the stance in line with that of the government on vaccine mandates.
South Koreans worked 200 more hours than OECD average last year
In the region, Australia recorded 1,683 hours per annum, while New Zealand logged 1,739 hours in the year.
Indonesia launches model to boost regional-based jobs
Indonesia has officially launched a pilot project model to expand regional-based employment opportunities in five regions across Indonesia.
Malaysia’s Sosco fosters partnerships to boost employment
As of July this year, some 150,000 formal workers have lost their jobs, while over 768,700 individuals remain unemployed.
New Zealand reinstates wage subsidy amid lockdown
As the country raises its COVID-19 alert to level 4, the government is planning to reinstate the wage subsidy.
Australian firms urged to study impact of staff vaccination incentives
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has cautioned that firms offering staff vaccination incentives could be exposed to compensation claims.
Indonesia to focus on jobs creation: President Joko Widodo
The government’s current priority is to create as many new and quality jobs as possible to build a sustainable economy.
Beyond recovery: Pitfalls holding back APAC growth initiatives
ADP highlights how organisations can optimise their payroll systems in the midst of disruption brought forth by the pandemic.
Vietnam’s unemployment worsens amid COVID-19 pandemic
On average, over 11,300 companies withdraw from the labour market each month, across various industries.
Transforming the workforce with the right employee recognition strategy
Organisations can drive innovation and change by successfully implementing employee recognition and engagement strategies.
Malaysia mandates fortnightly COVID-19 tests for workers
Employees who need to be present at workplaces must undergo fortnightly RTK Antigen tests approved by the health ministry.
Vietnam seeks to roll out more tax breaks for businesses
These include a 30% cut in corporate income tax, and a 30% value-added tax cut for businesses in sectors hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.
Public employees in Japan to get paid leave for fertility treatment
From next January, public employees will be granted up to 10 days of paid leave for fertility treatments. as Japan tries to addressing a falling birth rate.
SP PACE Academy continues to shape Singapore’s learning journey
For many years, SP PACE Academy has been at the forefront of reskilling and upskilling employees in Singapore.
Thailand needs US$30 billion more to support the economy
By end-2021, jobless numbers are forecasted to hit 3.4 million, up from 3 million in Q2’ 2021, reported the country’s central bank chief.
Australia proposes four-tier system for vaccination
The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has proposed a system to determine whether mandatory vaccination for employees would be considered reasonable.
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.