Working-age population projected to shrink in Japan and South Korea
An OECD report has calculated that by 2050, Japan’s working-age population would have declined to 61.8%.
South Korea launches third round of emergency cash reliefs
The finance ministry plans to hand out 4.1 trillion won (US$3.7 billion) in emergency cash to people affected by the third wave of the coronavirus.
South Korea to increase investment in startups in 2021
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups said the budget to support startups has been raised to 1.5 trillion won (US$1.4 billion) this year.
South Korea reaffirms pledge to create 150,000 new jobs in 2021
The government also plans to support smaller businesses, offer tax incentives to increase hiring, and support sectors that were severely retrenched.
South Korea to spend US$5.3 billion on science and ICT research
The Ministry of Science and ICT will invest US$5.3 billion on science and information and communication technology (ICT) research in 2021.
South Korea approves 9.3 trillion won jobs package
Some 5.6 trillion won will be used for cash handouts to small businesses, temporary workers or freelancers, and taxi drivers.
South Korean graduates face a job market with less openings
The employment rate of university graduates of the class of 2019 fell, while the employment gap between men and women widened.
More South Koreans disheartened with job search
As the pandemic worsens an already tightening labour market, an increasing number of South Koreans have abandoned the search for jobs.
More unemployed and middle-aged South Koreans start small businesses
To make ends meet, more jobless middle-aged people have turned entrepreneurial and started their own small businesses.
South Korea focuses on job creation for 2021
One of the main aims of South Korea’s 2021 economic policy plan is to prop up the sluggish labour market.
South Korean job-creation programme favours older workers
Younger jobseekers are finding it harder to find openings with the government’s job creation programme.
South Korean employment impacted by COVID-19 pandemic
Financial pressures are forcing Koreans to take on a second job, but even such plans are being thwarted by the pandemic.
South Korea doles out COVID-19 subsidies to ‘essential workers’
Home care workers and after-school tutors will receive a payout, which will be drawn from a dedicated donations fund.
South Korea’s gig workers to receive greater employment protection
Amendments to various employment acts were made after the country’s delivery workers died due to overwork.
Female managers still under-represented in South Korea
Women formed only 20.9% of managers in 2,486 organisations in the country, according to the Ministry of Employment and Labour.
South Korean female workers in non-regular jobs hit record high of 4.09 million
Non-regular jobs include temporary jobs, contract jobs, and other roles with low job security.
South Korea: Govt advises SMEs to prep for shorter working week
The Ministry of Labor and Employment will implement the 52-hour cap on the working week for SMEs as scheduled.
Wage gap between high school and university grads in South Korea smaller in larger firms
University grads working in big firms take home an average of US$29,744 annually.
South Korea’s ICT exports see consecutive growth for 5 months
Sales exports totalled US$16.4 billion in the month, registering a 6% year-on-year rise, as South Korea continues to be a leader in the ICT sector.
South Korea suffers sharpest decline in jobs for October in six months
The number of unemployed people reached 1.03 million for the month as the South Korean economy continues to be impacted by the pandemic.
Number of layoffs by SMEs spikes in South Korea
The percentage of workers “temporarily laid off” by small and medium sized companies rose sharply from 28.0% in August to 50.1% in September.
45.2% of workers in South Korea can take off days whenever they want: Survey
This ratio is lower among female, non-regular, and low-income workers.
South Korea: Employment in September slides to lowest level in four months
Workers in their 30s have been hit the hardest, with the unemployment rate exceeding 70% for this group.
Samsung Electronics tests feasibility of remote working
Beginning this September, some Samsung workers based in South Korea will begin to work from home, as part of a pilot programme.
South Korean firms continue work-from-home policies
As South Korea grapples with a second COVID-19 wave, many companies are having to make remote working a priority.
South Korea unveils US$29 billion stimulus budget
Saving jobs is one of the key objectives of the third supplementary budget released by South Korea this year.
Japan dominates most expensive cities for expats
Japan has been ranked one of the most expensive countries for expats after four of its cities took up top spots in the latest global charts.
Clock is ticking on Korea’s shorter working week
Small firms may not be ready for new measures to shorten the maximum weekly working hours from 68 hours to 52.
South Koreans use technology to fight workplace bullies
Spy gadgets are rising in popularity to record abuse and harassment by bosses following changes in law.
South Korea to punish business owners as bullying becomes rife
South Korea has moved to hold business owners more accountable for bullying within their workplaces.