Vaccinated employees get 2 days off work in Taiwan
Workers who receive the COVID-19 vaccine will be entitled to two days off work, according to the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC).
Pregnant workers in Cambodia benefit from government subsidies
The government’s subsidy programme has disbursed US$24 million to pregnant workers since its launch in January 2018.
Japan incentivises migration out of Tokyo without staff changing jobs
The government is encouraging workers to relocate to less-populated areas of the country while still employed by businesses based in Tokyo.
Thailand considers new relief packages for workers and businesses
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.
Australia to unveil A$1.7 billion childcare fund in upcoming Budget
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.
Malaysian unions urge for better employee welfare amid pandemic
Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) has called for the revision of minimum wages and the remuneration system.
Singapore to expand scope of progressive wage model
Tripartite committees comprising unions, employers and the government are working to extend the model to more sectors like food services and retail.
COVID-19 now a compensable work-related disease in the Philippines
The Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE) has included COVID-19 in its list of occupational and work-related diseases.
Companies in Japan offer vaccination leave for workers to receive jabs
Businesses are hoping to create an environment where workers can make vaccination appointments easily, which will hasten the vaccination process.
Australians on unemployment benefits fall by 20,000
Since end-2020, the number of Australians relying on unemployment benefits has fallen by 13% as the country continues to recover from the pandemic.
Market-based support benefits MSMEs more than subsidies or loans
To help MSMEs recover from the pandemic, the Asian Development Bank is urging governments to consider more targeted and differentiated assistance.
Malaysia aims to have 50 SMEs join its business improvement programme
SMEs selected for the programme will undergo capacity building and be eligible to receive financial assistance of up to RM500,000.
Philippine employers’ association urges for waiver of licence fees
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.
Taiwan mandates occupational accident insurance for all workers
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.
Australia considers increasing childcare subsidies for female workers
To increase women’s participation in the workforce, the Australian government is considering increasing childcare subsidies in its upcoming budget.
Singapore’s low-wage workers fund receives $4 million boost
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.
Pandemic dampens Japan PM’s plans to raise minimum wage
Japan’s SMEs and some members of the ruling party are opposing prime minister Yoshihide Suga’s proposal to increase the minimum wage.
Philippines to dole out compensation to COVID-19-positive workers
To receive the compensation, workers will need to present a certificate of employment, an RT-PCR test, and accompanying medical records.
Hong Kong lawmakers renew calls for more COVID-19 support
Business sector legislators have called for short-term support for the unemployed in the form of HK$6,000 per month for six months.
Australia’s unions push back against calls for minimum wage delay
Major employer groups have argued for the Fair Work Commission to either impose a pay freeze or delay any pay hikes until February 2022.
Vietnamese workers’ average salary rises in first quarter
Data from the General Statistics Office (GSO) showed that the average income of workers rose 5.7% in Q1 compared to Q4 of 2020.
South Korea’s minimum wage under debate
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.
Malaysia boosts social enterprise growth
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.
Taiwan employees get highest-ever year-end bonus
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.
Australia gives cash incentive for unemployed to relocate for work
To incentivise job seekers to move to new locations for work, the government is giving them an upfront cash payment of A$2,000 (US$1,539).
Indonesia union group urges for full payment for Eid allowances
Confederation of Indonesian Workers Unions (KSPI) president Said Iqbal has called for companies to make mandatory full payment for Eid allowances.
Philippines disbursed US$215.9 million in maternity benefits in 2020
The level of disbursement was almost double the average annual release of US$126.79 million, before the maternity leave law was expanded in 2019.
Malaysia mulls giving a day off for employees to get jab
The Human Resources Ministry and the Ministry of Health are deliberating whether employees should be given an off-day to get their COVID-19 inoculations.
Thailand approves 3rd stimulus package worth US$60.5 billion
The cabinet has approved its third stimulus package of 1.9 trillion baht (US$60.5 billion) to help workers and businesses get through the pandemic.
IMF urges governments to sustain wage subsidies until COVID-19 eases
Uncertainties about the pandemic and the situation forward means that the phase-out of such support measures will be complicated, said the IMF.