Japan’s summer bonuses fall for third consecutive year
The survey by the Japan Business Federation found that the pandemic impacted businesses in the non-manufacturing sectors the most.
Employers should not use government relief funds for workers’ pay
Taiwan’s New Power Party (NPP) has raised the issue of employers using pandemic relief funds to pay their staff’s salaries.
New Zealand’s wage inflation rises 2.1% in the year-to-June quarter
The labour cost index (LCI) of all salary and wages, including overtime pay, increased by 2.1%, showing an increase of 1.6% in the year-to-March 2021 quarter.
South Korea officially sets next year’s minimum wage rate at 9,160 won
The new rate will take effect on 1 January 2022, translating to a monthly wage of 1.91 million won (US$1,672), and will apply across all industries.
Companies urges Thai government to grant tax relief for vaccinations
Companies have asked the government to allow them to deduct the cost of vaccinating their employees from their corporate taxes.
Singapore provides working parents with more benefits
Parents who were previously not eligible for paternity or adoption leave can now qualify for benefits up to S$30,000.
Japan considers fresh COVID-19 stimulus package
Lawmakers have since escalated calls for a new relief package, with the idea of an extra budget valued at 30 trillion yen being floated around.
Philippines seeks additional funds to help workers through lockdown
Formal workers will be able to receive a one-time cash assistance of P$5,000 (US$100) under the COVID-19 Adjustment Measure Programme.
South Korean president urges for swift disbursement of pandemic aid
The 34.9-trillion-won (US$30.5-billion) supplementary budget should be disbursed swiftly to pandemic-hit businesses and people.
Vietnam provides aid to pandemic-affected workers
To buffer the impact of pandemic lockdowns, the government has been providing help to workers via its various policies.
Indonesia plans wage subsidies for workers
The Ministry of Manpower is preparing the policy for distribution of the BSU wage subsidy programme for workers in 2021.
10-day sick leave rule takes effect in New Zealand
The legislation doubling the minimum number of sick leave from five to 10 took effect on Saturday, July 24, for employees in New Zealand.
Singapore announces S$1.1-billion support package
The support package will help workers and businesses affected by the country’s reversion to stricter pandemic restrictions.
Japan government panel calls for more support as wages hike
The government has been asked to ensure that the support to events, tourism and F&B from vaccinations lead to a sustained recovery.
Singapore businesses call for more COVID-19 support
Amid tighter COVID-19 measures, the associations have asked for rental rebates, foreign worker levies and an extension of bank loan moratoriums.
Vietnam offers interest-free loans for companies to pay salaries
Companies can now apply for interest-free loans to pay furloughed staff and salaries from the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies.
Singapore announces new support package as social curbs tightened
Targeted support will be provided for businesses and workers affected by the latest tightened safe management measures from July 22 to August 18.
Cambodia gives cash subsidies to pandemic-affected workers
Employees in the garment and tourism industries whose employment contracts have been suspended can expect cash subsidies.
South Korean business lobby set to challenge new minimum wage rate
This comes after the country’s minimum wage commission set the new minimum wage rate at 9,160 won (US$7.94) per hour for 2022.
Thailand approves 42 billion baht COVID-19 stimulus package
The financial aid will apply to companies in the sectors of construction, hotels, food services, art, entertainment and recreation in affected provinces.
Japan to raise average minimum wage by 3.1%
The labour ministry has recommended raising the national average minimum wage by 3.1% to 930 yen (US$8.43) per hour.
Over 50% of gig workers in New Zealand earn below minimum wage
Some 30% of gig workers estimated their hourly wage after expenses to be between NZ$18.90 and 2021’s scheduled minimum wage of NZ$20.
South Korea raises minimum wage for 2022
The Minimum Wage Commission (MWC) has set the country’s minimum wage for next year at 9,160 won (US$8) per hour.
Malaysia doles out additional RM$500 aid to small businesses
The payout will be on top of the RM$1,000 assistance which was credited to the companies’ bank accounts in mid-June this year.
Australian state offers financial aid to businesses amid lockdown
The New South Wales (NSW) and federal governments have announced a financial assistance package to keep businesses afloat.
Malaysia allocates RM$3.8 billion to extension of wage subsidy scheme
The programme is to be implemented for four months from August 1st, and would be open to all economic sectors in the first two months.
New Zealand officials opposes Labour’s Fair Pay Agreement proposal
Some government officials are rejecting Labour’s Fair Pay Agreement (FPA) plan in favour of tightening existing employment laws.
Australia’s Victoria state trials sick leave for casual workers
Consultation for the trial programme will open this month, and the scheme is slated to start in early 2022.
Taiwan’s self-employed to benefit from government subsidies
Self-employed workers who earned less than NT$408,000 in 2020, and who have been impacted by the pandemic, will be eligible for subsidies.
Taiwan offer subsidies to the unemployed who find jobs
Workers will now be eligible for handouts of up to NT$20,000 in subsidies over four months if they find a new full-time job.