Employment a key national priority for Reserve Bank of Australia
The Australian central bank is committed to maintaining a monetary policy that will support the country’s employment and inflation goals.
New Zealand retail workers’ pay rises 6.1%
Amid a shortage of experienced retail staff, employers have been forced to increase wages to retain and attract talent.
Most Japan companies plan to conduct workplace COVID-19 vaccinations
To speed up the vaccination rate in the country, a nationwide plan allows companies and universities to run their own vaccination drives.
Philippine employer groups to create 1 million new jobs
The Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) is leading several business groups in pledging to create at least 1 million new jobs.
Cambodian government doles out subsidy to workers
These are workers who were not able to work due the lockdown, and each will receive about US$40 as part of the social assistance programme.
Australia’s NSW state to launch paid miscarriage leave
All New South Wales (NSW) public-sector workers will be entitled to five days of paid leave if they suffer a miscarriage of a child.
Malaysia remains committed to ensuring business continuity
The government still has a balance of RM$6 billion for its wage subsidy programme, which can guarantee wage payments for 2.7 million workers.
Singapore employers to get S$2.2 billion in wage subsidies
Under the Jobs Support Scheme, more than 140,000 employers will receive wage subsidies totaling S$2.2 billion (US$1.6 billion) from June 30.
South Korea undecided on minimum wage rate
The Minimum Wage Commission reported that the current minimum hourly wage rate of 8,720 won (US$7.69) is not sufficient to cover the cost of living.
Japan engages companies to boost vaccination drive
Vaccination in the country is getting a shot in the arm as thousands of companies start inoculating their employees.
Malaysia turns to e-payrolls to streamline business operations
The digital system will be able to automate and combine various payroll, compensation and deduction functions into one simple application.
HR Tech Festival Asia Online 2021: Defining HR’s roadmap for 2022
Taking place from September 21-23, Asia’s largest HR Tech event of 2021 will highlight the key drivers of leadership, culture and employee experience in 2022.
Japan promotes 4-day work-week option
The government is supporting the proposal to let employees choose a four-day work week in its annual economic policy guideline.
Malaysian employers group calls for coordinated COVID-19 enforcement
Enforcement authorities create more confusion, instead of allowing employers to focus on carrying out their duties, said the MEF president.
Sacked New Zealand border staff mounts legal challenge to dismissal
A border worker who was dismissed for refusing to get the COVID-19 jab has brought her case to the Employment Relations Authority (ERA).
Australia’s unemployment falls to 5.1% in May 2021
The number of employed women rose by 69,000, while the number of employed men increased by 46,000.
Hong Kong’s unemployment rate falls to a 12-month low
Hong Kong’s jobless rate fell for three consecutive months to a one-year low in May, as the economy continues to recover from the pandemic.
Singapore maintains WFH as default arrangement, extends jobs support
Workers cannot be cross-deployed to multiple worksites, and employers need to implement flexible working hours and staggered start times.
Australia increases minimum wage by 2.5% to benefit 2.2 million workers
The Fair Wage Commission (FWC) has raised the minimum wage and related award minimum wages by 2.5%.
Philippines incentivises vaccinated workers with freebies
Some 1,000 essential workers from Metro Manila and another thousand from other regions are expected to benefit from the programme.
Employment in Singapore recovers better than expected in 1st quarter
Total employment in the country grew in the first quarter this year, signaling a recovery in the local labour market.
Malaysia manufacturers union call for additional COVID-19 stimulus
This follows after the nation extended its movement control order (MCO) 3.0 for another two weeks from June 15 to June 28.
South Korea rejects further extension to delay 52-hour work week
Companies employing between five and 49 workers will have to comply with the 52-hour work week by next month.
Cambodia re-skills unemployed and furloughed workers
6,500 workers have received special and been awarded with a dedicated technical and vocational certificate, in preparation for re-employment.
Malaysian Employers Federation calls for assistance for small businesses
The employers’ group has urged the government to provide a moratorium on compulsory contributions to tide small businesses through tough times.
Taiwan firms want tax breaks, COVID-19 vaccines and wage subsidies
72.59% of manufacturers want a business tax break, while 71.25% would like to receive wage subsidies to help them meet their payroll costs, a survey finds.
India’s unemployment rate falls amid easing of lockdown
The country’s urban unemployment rate fell 5.0 percentage points to 9.7% month-on-month for the week which ended on June 13.
Many Australian companies unwilling to increase wages
In place of higher wages, companies are instead offering one-off bonuses and flexible working arrangements, says the Reserve Bank of Australia.
South Korea’s government urged to delay implementing longer work week
Small businesses in the country have asked for more time to prepare for the 52-hour work week, which is set to be implemented next month.
Japan’s older workers are motivated to work longer
40.2% of Japanese people aged 60 and above want to work or continue in their jobs, a government survey has found.