Thailand approves subsidies to help SMEs keep staff employed
To help about 480,122 struggling small businesses keep five million employees employed, the government is planning to roll out subsidies.
Japan has wage pressure under control, says BOJ governor
Haruhiko Kuroda emphasised the need to create a virtuous cycle in which higher wages give households more purchasing power.
Australia under pressure to force firms to repay COVID-19 payout
Some 71% of Australians support companies being forced to repay JobKeeper funds if they did not need it, according to a recent opinion survey.
Malaysia’s wage subsidies saved 2.9 million jobs to date
The allocation of RM18 billion (US$4.3 billion) in wage subsidies has helped 2.9 million workers in the country keep their jobs so far, reports HR minister.
Workers in HCM City to benefit from unemployment insurance allowances
About three million workers in Ho Chi Minh City stand to gain from the unemployment insurance fund with total allowances of about VND6 trillion.
Brunei doles out financial support to retrenched, furloughed workers
The new support measures are aimed at helping struggling individuals and businesses stay afloat amid extended COVID-19 restrictions.
Taiwan likely to increase minimum wage next year
The Minister of Economic Affairs has thrown her support behind an increase in the minimum wage, ahead of a final decision on October 8.
Thailand budgets US$1.3 billion job support for small businesses
The country’s planning agency is launching a 45.4-billion-baht (US$1.4-billion) stimulus package to help small businesses keep jobs.
Chinese cities offer longer parental leave to promote better family life
In Jiangxi, parents will be entitled to marital leave for 15 days, in addition to the national holidays, while in Anhui, marital leave is being extended by three days.
New Zealand to roll out fourth wage subsidy package
The subsidies will be available to companies country-wide that experience or expect a 40% fall in revenue during the fortnight to October 11.
Taiwan rights group calls for more paternity leave for expecting fathers
It called on lawmakers to pass proposed amendments to an act that would allow male employees seven days of paid pre-paternity leave.
Vietnam to support pandemic-hit workers and employers
The government will provide financial aid to pandemic-hit workers and employers, drawing from the unemployment insurance fund.
Australian employers get wage subsidies for apprentices
The government is expanding wage subsidies for businesses which employ apprentices into the latter’s second and third years.
Cambodia raises minimum wage for textiles and footwear workers
The amount is less than the US$12 hike sought for by major worker unions, and has been opposed by the Garment Manufacturers Association of Cambodia.
South Korea expands safety net for platform workers
The government plans to let delivery workers and designated drivers benefit from the employment insurance system from next year.
China’s Tianjin city to extend paternity leave
Authorities in the city have launched a revision on the local regulations of population and family planning.
Taiwan likely to set minimum wage on October 8
The date for deciding on the minimum wage for next year has been postponed to October 8 as announced by the Ministry of Labour (MOL).
Malaysia’s minimum wage can be raised in phases
The current minimum wage of RM1,200 (US$286) per month can be revised upwards in stages, a former minister has suggested.
Thailand approves 27 billion baht COVID-19 relief fund
Support will also be extended for an existing scheme that encourages domestic travel until end-February as the pandemic situation eases.
Over half of pandemic aid disbursed in Malaysia
51% of the RM490 billion (US$116.93 billion) allocated under the eight pandemic stimulus packages has been disbursed so far.
OECD urges Australia to increase unemployment benefits
It expects that strict lockdowns in New South Wales and Victoria state are likely to see the national economy shrink over the September quarter.
Hong Kong extends loan programmes for businesses
The schemes have so far granted a total of HK$170 billion (US$21.8 billion) in loans to 67,000 applicants, which include 41,600 companies.
Singapore doles out S$900 million in wage support
The payouts are expected to benefit over 43,900 employers in Singapore to support the wages of more than 570,000 local employees.
Malaysia to roll out RM500 million support for SMEs
Commencing from September 21, the disbursement will be rolled out twice, once in September and another in November.
Calls for Taiwan to amend labour law to increase birth rate
The Childcare Policy Alliance (CPA) has urged the government to reform labour laws to boost the birth rate and retain married women in the workforce.
Women’s group in Malaysia calls for 2022 budget to address gender gaps
The government has been urged to address gender gaps exacerbated by the pandemic when formulating next year’s budget.
Oxfam calls for equal access to maternity care in Cambodia
The NGO has called on the government to better align laws and policies in key areas such as maternity leave, as well as cash and medical benefits.
Singapore looks into more protection for gig workers
An advisory committee expects to provide recommendations that require legislative change by the second half of next year.
Cambodia holds talks on minimum wage
Negotiations on next year’s minimum wage for workers in the garment, textile and footwear sectors are underway.
Union in Taiwan wants subsidised childcare leave for parents
Current guidelines states that a class should stop in-person activities if one student tests positive for the COVID-19 virus.