DOLE has also ramped up the implementation of its programme to provide jobs for seasonal workers, those who are displaced, or underemployed.
Financial incentives are offered to businesses that implement work from home (WFH) schemes to lower the number of people who commute to work.
JobTrainer was designed for 17 to 24-year-olds and the unemployed, and was initially slated to expire in September.
The Social Security Organisation (Socso) has announced plans to protect 200,000 active self-employed individuals by the end of this year.
The government’s Wage Subsidy Programme 1.0 (PSU 1.0) has approved wage subsidies of RM12.86 (US$3.12 billion) as of April 23.
The Cabinet gave in-principle approval for the fiscal stimulus measures, aimed to help the poor cope with the economic impact from the pandemic.
Workers who receive the COVID-19 vaccine will be entitled to two days off work, according to the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC).
The government’s subsidy programme has disbursed US$24 million to pregnant workers since its launch in January 2018.
The government is encouraging workers to relocate to less-populated areas of the country while still employed by businesses based in Tokyo.
A government spokesperson said that the new relief packages would be decided “carefully” to ensure that those who are impacted by the pandemic are covered.
The current annual cap of A$10,560 per child will be removed, and instead increased to a maximum of 95% for families with two or more children.
Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) has called for the revision of minimum wages and the remuneration system.
Tripartite committees comprising unions, employers and the government are working to extend the model to more sectors like food services and retail.
The Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE) has included COVID-19 in its list of occupational and work-related diseases.
Businesses are hoping to create an environment where workers can make vaccination appointments easily, which will hasten the vaccination process.
Since end-2020, the number of Australians relying on unemployment benefits has fallen by 13% as the country continues to recover from the pandemic.
To help MSMEs recover from the pandemic, the Asian Development Bank is urging governments to consider more targeted and differentiated assistance.
SMEs selected for the programme will undergo capacity building and be eligible to receive financial assistance of up to RM500,000.
To spur job creation, the country’s biggest employers’ association has called on the government to waive off fees for the renewal of existing permits and licences.
Employers are required to sign their staff up for the insurance on their first day at work, regardless of company size, or face a fine of up to NT$100,000.
To increase women’s participation in the workforce, the Australian government is considering increasing childcare subsidies in its upcoming budget.
The fund, launched in 2017, has helped workers in the lower-wage group while they search for a new job and wait for social support.
Japan’s SMEs and some members of the ruling party are opposing prime minister Yoshihide Suga's proposal to increase the minimum wage.
To receive the compensation, workers will need to present a certificate of employment, an RT-PCR test, and accompanying medical records.
Business sector legislators have called for short-term support for the unemployed in the form of HK$6,000 per month for six months.
Major employer groups have argued for the Fair Work Commission to either impose a pay freeze or delay any pay hikes until February 2022.
Data from the General Statistics Office (GSO) showed that the average income of workers rose 5.7% in Q1 compared to Q4 of 2020.
The decision has to be made before August 5, which is the legal deadline for the Ministry of Employment and Labour to deliver an official notice to the public.
Through a new initiative, the government aims to provide a level playing field for social impact firms by supporting their job creation and innovation efforts.
Despite the economic fallout from the pandemic, employees received the highest-ever average year-end bonus of NT$70,513 (US$2,478) last year.