Australian government launches online tool to aid hiring of new staff
Business owners can now make use of a new online tool developed by the government to hire their first employee, potentially preventing costly mistakes.
Malaysia’s SME Association urges decisive measures to tackle pandemic
It proposed a one-month state of emergency where all economic activities are halted, while essential services continue to operate at 50% capacity.
Online market can boost job creation for women in the Philippines
Online work can provide women with more employment opportunities, though it comes with its own limitations and challenges, says DOLE official.
Bank of Thailand extends debt restructuring measures for SMEs
The debt moratorium has been extended from June 30 to December, and will be applicable to SMEs hit by the economic uncertainty due to the pandemic.
Some unvaccinated employees face discrimination in Hong Kong
Employees who face discrimination if they refused to be vaccinated may be able to mount a legal challenge, depending if it is “reasonable or necessary.”
Malaysian companies must shoulder additional costs for vaccination
Companies participating in the programme that sees their employees vaccinated need to pay for the additional costs involved.
Malaysia’s central bank gets soft loans approved for SMEs
Bank Negara Malaysia has facilitated around RM12.06 billion (US$2.9 billion) worth of soft loans for SMEs which have been approved by local banks.
Japan pushes for higher wages across regions
Across the country, Japan aims to achieve a national average of ¥1,000 per hour and narrow the pay gap between regions.
South Korea mulls vaccination at companies producing chips
Workers at chip and electronic companies may be vaccinated to reduce disruptions to the production of computer chips which are in short supply globally.
Australia’s payroll jobs rise 0.3%, higher growth for male workers
Over the period, payroll jobs showed the largest increase in Queensland and the Northern Territory, each rising by 0.6% and 0.5% respectively.
Taiwan shortens rest times between shifts for workers
The Ministry of Labour (MOL) has temporarily lowered the number of rest hours workers must get between shifts from 11 to eight for four industries.
Companies in Singapore to adopt WFH as default arrangement
Businesses are advised to stagger the start times of employees and implement flexible working hours, and refrain from cross-deploying workers.
Indonesia’s VP urges workers to increase their preparedness
High unemployment and low competitive edge are the result of workers’ unpreparedness to adapt to changes in the job market and industry, he said.
Malaysia’s unemployment rate falls to 4.6% in April
The number of unemployed persons in April totalled 742,700 persons, falling by 0.1 percentage point or 10,500 persons month-on-month.
Vietnam proposes US$1.2 billion COVID-19 relief package
The VND27,600 billion (US$1.2 billion) relief package will support workers and businesses badly hit by the pandemic.
Japan approves flexible paternity leave
Fathers will be able to take a total of four weeks off within eight weeks of their child’s birth, and can choose to split the period into two breaks.
Singapore companies advised to test staff regularly for COVID-19
Employers with staff who need to work in high-risk environments should implement testing for them on a regular basis, says Enterprise Singapore.
Taiwan to issue fourth round of COVID-19 relief subsidies
The subsidy package is set to benefit at least 7.3 million individuals, and will also be allocated to support various sectors.
Companies in Vietnam offer to pay for vaccination of staff
Most employers are willing to pay to vaccinate their employees to curb the spread of the virus in their companies.
Japan’s real wages in April show largest monthly gain since 2010
The increase was partly due to a 0.5% drop in the consumer price index, and a y-o-y rebound in part-timers’ compensation.
More workers to be vaccinated in the Philippines
About 35.5 million people will be eligible for vaccination in the government’s efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 and open up the economy.
South Korea’s jobless claims fall in May
Those receiving job-seeking benefits totalled 704,000 in May, in line with a downward trend of 759,000 in March, and 739,000 in April.
South Korea to grant workers with extra days off
The government will soon pass a bill that will provide workers with extra days off should a public holiday fall on a weekend.
World Bank approves US$500 million programme to support India’s MSMEs
The programme targets improving the performances of 555,000 MSMEs and is expected to mobilise financing of US$15.5 billion.
Vietnam prime minister urges for relaxation of overly strict lockdowns
Local governments have been urged to relax overly strict lockdowns that are affecting production and business activity in some provinces.
Malaysian employers cannot force non-essential service workers to office
Staff are encouraged to report incidents where their workplace exceeds the 60% capacity, or they are asked to work despite the need for quarantine.
India forms expert committee to set national minimum wage
The committee will provide technical inputs and recommendations to set minimum wages and a national floor for minimum wages.
Thailand rolls out wage subsidies to deter mass layoffs
Qualified SMEs for the new co-payment scheme include those that could not acquire a soft loan from Thailand’s central bank package.
Taiwan grants pandemic subsidies to 600,000 self-employed
The Cabinet is revising an economic stimulus bill to provide financial relief to two groups of self-employed people affected by the pandemic.
Chinese city turns to blockchain for worker payments
An app records and encrypts data like work attendances based on facial recognition, and feedback from recruiters.