13th-month pay in the Philippines to be pro-rated
The Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE) has issued guidelines on the release of the 13th month pay for this year.
Indonesia considers minimum wage increase in 2022
The speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives says doing so will improve the welfare of workers affected by the pandemic.
Malaysia proposes amending Employment Act
The human resources minister has tabled for the first reading a Bill to amend the Employment Act to insert a new section on paternity leave in Parliament.
Japan looks into distributing wage profits
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida had vowed earlier to draw up an economic package worth “tens of trillions of yen” to revive the economy.
Rise in minimum wage could derail Malaysia’s economic recovery: MEF
Labour productivity also registered a fall of 16% in 2020, following a reduction in workforce numbers, notes the Malaysian Employers Federation.
Workers in the Philippines may receive lower 13th month pay
Due to tighter pandemic-led restrictions, many businesses were forced to temporarily retrench or cut the work days of their staff.
Thailand approves 37 billion baht in subsidies for SMEs
To help SMEs retain employees, the Thai Cabinet has approved a 37-billion-baht (US$1.1 billion) subsidy programme that will help pay for salaries.
Singapore rolls out S$640 million support package for businesses
Businesses in select sectors significantly affected by tightened COVID-19 measures will receive a 25% wage support under the Jobs Support Scheme.
Wage growth in Australia unlikely despite labour shortage
The Reserve Bank of Australia noted that in sectors where wage growth was observed, it was largely due to earlier implemented wage cuts that were reversed.
S$13 million recovered in employee claims in Singapore
Employees who made claims for salary arrears and compensation for wrongful dismissal in the last financial year recovered S$13 million.
Applications for Malaysia’s wage subsidies total RM$12.95 billion
A total of RM$84.2 million has also been channelled to 13,884 businesses in the form of grants and loans for subscriptions to digitalisation services.
Australia’s Labour Party proposes more rights for part-time workers
To help workers, especially women, balance family and employment responsibilities, Labour has urged for a review of the “erosion” of part-time work.
Malaysia’s banking industry continues support for borrowers
The Financial Management & Resilience Programme (URUS) has been launched for individual borrowers who continue to be affected by the pandemic.
Taiwan sees marginal improvement in employment and wages
The number of employed people across various sectors showed an increase in August month-on-month, with wages growing marginally.
Japanese workers see wage increase in August
Although wages levels have been increasing, workers are still making less than they used to as compared to before the pandemic hit.
Malaysian government urged to review minimum wage
The current salary increment rate ranges between 100% and 150%, while the cost of living has increased from 400% to 600%, said a senator.
Workers in Vietnam see fall in wages in Q3’2021 due to COVID-19
Male workers are also receiving a higher average monthly wage as compared to their female counterparts.
New Japan PM to prioritise wage raises
Besides prioritising wage raises, the prime minister also said that he plans on a capital gains taxes discussion sometime in the future.
Malaysia to curate programme to help SMEs with cash flow problems
The most common reasons why SME bank loan applications get rejected are insufficient cash flow, an unviable business, and high levels of debt.
Thailand mulls tax cut for skilled foreigners
Foreigners who would qualify for this lower tax rate must work in fields in which Thailand faces a skills shortage, and could work anywhere in the country.
Australia disbursed A$27 billion to firms that did not qualify for subsidies
Some firms posted revenues that did not fall sufficiently enough to qualify, while others posted increased revenues over the period.
Measures to ease SME cash flow called for in Malaysia’s Budget 2022
Businesses are looking at cash flow continuity and survival, especially in industries hit hard by the pandemic, said the SME Association of Malaysia.
Thailand plans to help SMEs retain workers
A new project will help generate new jobs, maintain employment for about 400,000 workers and subsidise the income of over four million workers.
Singapore recovers US$266 million from overpayment of wage subsidies
The government has recovered S$361 million (US$266 million) from 4,862 firms to remedy overpayments in the Jobs Support Scheme (JSS).
Taiwan decides on minimum wage hike of 5.21%
Labour groups had previously called for a wage hike of 6 to 8%, while business groups urged for the minimum wage not to be increased by over 3%.
Cambodia’s minimum wage hike not enough for workers’ basic needs
Western buyers of Cambodian apparel and footwear goods have been urged to prod suppliers towards paying a living wage to factory workers.
Malaysia has disbursed over RM$330 billion of subsidies
As of September 24, the support packages have benefited some 20 million Malaysians, and 2.4 million businesses.
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.