Japan moots scheme to insure all workers in the country
The government will soon initiate discussions on expanding the coverage of employee pensions and health insurance programmes to all workers.
3.22 million workers in South Korea paid less than minimum wage
The number of workers who were paid less than the minimum wage was 3,215,000 last year, the second highest annual figure after 2019’s 3,386,000.
SMEs in Malaysia expected to feel impact of proposed minimum wage
The National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM) has expressed its disappointment over the hike in minimum wage.
Malaysia to exclude some sectors from minimum wage rate mandate
These include the informal sector, companies employing less than five workers, and businesses facing huge losses because of the pandemic.
Navigating labour market recovery by putting people first
Leaders in ASEAN are coming together to devise strategies that will allow organisations and people in the region to recover from the pandemic.
Singapore’s female employees want flexibility at work
About 54% of women in the city state want flexibility at work, but fear the stigma that comes with it, revealed a new LinkedIn survey.
Vietnam plans to increase minimum wage rate by 6% from July
If approved, the plan would see the increase of the minimum monthly wage to between VND3.25 million and VND4.68 million.
Indonesia rolls out measures to narrow gender pay gap
The government has continued to enforce several measures to ensure equal pay for female and male workers, including setting up a labour watchdog.
Implementation of four-day workweek unlikely in Malaysia
Most employers are not ready to adopt a four-day workweek, noted the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers.
Victorian government calls for paid family violence leave
The government of Australia’s Victoria state has called for at least 10 days of paid family violence leave to be offered to all government workers.
Hong Kong supports more workers with new job-saving scheme
About 440,000 additional workers will benefit from the government’s more inclusive revised Employment Support Scheme (ESS).
Philippines government asked to expedite approval of wage subsidies
The wage subsidies will help stimulate consumer spending, which could help the government in its efforts to revive the economy.
South Korea’s minimum wage policy faces overhaul
The incoming administration headed by President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol is seeking to overhaul the country’s highly controversial minimum wage policy.
Singapore considers shared pool of parental leave between parents
This will result in a more equitable distribution of statutory parental leave and help reshape societal perceptions on gender roles, said MP Louis Chua.
Indonesia provides wage subsidies to lower-income workers
This year’s Wage Subsidy Assistance (BSU) will focus on Indonesian workers with salaries below Rp3.5 million (US$243).
Philippines trade union asks for minimum wage hike
The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board has highlighted that the trade union’s request for a blanket pay hike is not within its jurisdiction.
New Zealand’s Fair Pay Agreements to create level playing field for workers
The new legislation aims to create an environment in which good employers are not disadvantaged by paying reasonable, industry-standard wages.
Singapore’s gig workers support mandatory CPF contributions
The government is reviewing how to better protect platform workers to meet their retirement and housing needs.
Thai government urged to extend public subsidies
Under the latest phase of its subsidy scheme, some 29 million people will be eligible for a 50% discount on products and services.
Japan revises law to make paternity leave more accessible
All companies must inform their employees of the paternity leave system, and confirm with to-be fathers whether they want to take the leave.
Wage subsidies of RM20.63 billion disbursed in Malaysia
To preserve 2.96 million local jobs, the government has disbursed RM20.63 billion (US$4.9 billion) in wages subsidies as of March 18 this year.
Moments that matter in the inclusion experience
Lexy Martin and Melissa Arronte explain how the Inclusion Experience Framework can help organisations connect to key employee outcomes.
Brunei to upskill more micro, small and medium enterprises
MSMEs are provided with voluntary mentorships from leading business people, professionals and subject matter experts in Brunei.
Malaysia passes bill to increase maternity leave from 60 to 98 days
The bill, which was passed with a unanimous vote, would ensure women employees get enough rest and attract more women to enter the job market.
Vietnam raises the number of overtime hours
The National Assembly has passed a Resolution to increase overtime working hours from the current 40 hours to 60 hours per month.
Unions in Australia push for 5% minimum wage raise
The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) is pushing for the minimum wage rate to increase to A$21.35 an hour, up from A$20.33 an hour.
Earning power of freelancers and self-employed in Japan falls
About 37% of freelance workers surveyed expect their incomes to be lower than before the pandemic going forward.
Central Bank of Malaysia calls for progressive rollout of minimum wage
Malaysia’s new minimum wage rate of RM1,500 (US$357) will take effect on May 1, and is an increase of 25% from the previous minimum wage.
New Zealand introduces Fair Pay Agreements Bill
The Fair Pay Agreements Bill has been introduced to Parliament to lift incomes and improve working conditions, especially of medium and lower earners.
Businesses in Australia encouraged to invest in new technologies
The Technology Investment Boost helps smaller companies embrace the digital revolution by providing tax deductions on tech related expenses.