India’s central government staff may see hike in salaries
Under the 7th Pay Commission’s recommendations, a raise in the Dearness Allowance (DA) is expected for employees by the end of this month.
South Korea extends financial relief to firms
The payment of employment insurance fees and electricity and gas bills for April and June will be postponed for three more months.
Australia moves to reduce gender retirement gap
A baby bonus superannuation payment can reduce the gap between the retirement savings of men and women who go on maternity leave.
Malaysia needs better living wage system, says EPF chief
The Employees Provident Fund is keen to see wages go upwards, but stresses that it must match with the availability of funds and the right way to do it.
Singapore moves to help older PMEs transition to new jobs
Making the Jobs Growth Incentive permanent can help mature professionals, managers, and executives (PMEs) transition into new jobs, said MP Patrick Tay.
Employment of disabled workers increases in China
Some 8.62 million people with disabilities, including the self-employed and flexible workers, were employed in 2020, up from 8.55 million in 2019.
New Zealand raises minimum wage and taxes on the rich
The move to raise minimum wage from the current NZ$20.0 (US$13.5) to NZ$21.2 (US$14.3) per hour has drawn widespread criticism from businesses.
Wage subsidies support employment of 2.95 million workers in Malaysia
As of February 18, a total of RM21.72 million has been channelled to 902 MSMEs under the Indian Community Entrepreneur Development Scheme.
Achieving business continuity and success in a changing world of work
As organisations look to achieve business continuity and success, ADP’s Peter Hadley highlights the payroll challenges organisations face in 2022.
Singapore discourages incentive schemes tied to attendance
Enforcement action may be taken on employers who continue to implement attendance-tied incentive schemes from next year.
Japan group set up to protect gig workers’ rights
Currently, gig workers are considered self-employed and therefore not guaranteed a minimum wage or employment insurance.
13.5% of workers in Taiwan not given overtime pay
Although work satisfaction increased to 72.5% last year, 13.5% of workers reported that they did not get extra pay for working overtime.
Gender pay gap in Australia falls to 13.8%
The full-time wage gap between male and female workers amounted to A$255 per week, marking the second lowest national pay gap in the last 20 years.
South Korea approves extra budget to help businesses
The country’s parliament has passed a larger-than-planned first extra budget of this year amid the biggest outbreak of the pandemic to date.
Malaysia partners with on-demand work platform to protect gig workers
Gig workers on the platform with existing EPF accounts can give their consent to opt into the programme and set their contribution rate.
China to launch policies supporting SMEs
To help SMEs tide over the pandemic, the government will implement more supportive policies to help SMEs operationally and financially.
Victoria sets aside A$200 million stimulus for firms
A$34.2 million of funding will be used to place workers in over 1,500 jobs across hospitality, warehousing and logistics, and tourism.
Taiwan’s gender pay gap rises to 15.8% in 2021
The pay gap between the hourly wage of male workers and that of female ones averaged NT$57 or 15.8% last year, according to the Ministry of Labour.
Businesses in Malaysia urged to pay workers higher wages
Although the government is still discussing the minimum wage hike, some firms are already paying more than the minimum wage.
Australia enforces payment of workers’ superannuation
The Australian Taxation Office will penalise employers who fail to pay workers’ superannuation after delaying its enforcement due to the pandemic.
Malaysia introduces new scheme to increase employment
The RM40 billion (US$9.6 billion) SemarakNiaga Keluarga Malaysia programme is designed to create jobs and help businesses recover.
Australian federal public service urged to extend parental leave entitlements
Employees who experience miscarriage or still birth should also be provided with paid leave, said the Community and Public Sector Union.
South Korean companies call for business tax incentives
CEOs have urged the next government to increase tax revenue by strengthening the economy instead of hiking taxes on businesses.
New Zealand rolls out COVID-19 support to businesses
To qualify for the handout, businesses must show a 40% drop in revenue over seven consecutive days during the six weeks prior to February 15.
Malaysia studies move to increase minimum wage
Despite the rollout of government work support initiatives, employers have been reluctant to offer decent salaries to potential workers.
Japan to focus on flexible working in upcoming labour talks
The Japanese Trade Union Confederation wants businesses to define workplace rules related to the eligibility for remote work.
S$500 million support package for Singapore’s struggling sectors
Singapore’s 2022 budget will include a S$500 million (US$372 million) support package to help workers and businesses “still struggling” to recover.
Over two thirds of firms in Japan have no plans to raise base wages this year
Instead, pay increases are more likely to come in the form of one-time bonuses, which may not lead to increased household spending
Singapore managed to avoid higher unemployment in 2021
Government support ensured the unemployment rate hit 3.5% instead of 7.5% in 2021, said the country’s finance ministry.
Indonesia’s Old Age Insurance Programme reverts to original role
With the launch of the Job Loss Guarantee Programme (JKP), the Old Age Insurance Programme (JHT) will revert to protecting elderly workers.