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).
Employers in Cambodia urged to test staff for COVID-19 after public holiday
All employers have been told to test staff for COVID-19 after they return to work after the three-day Pchum Ben holiday or Ancestors’ Day.
Malaysia mandates COVID-19 vaccinations for government staff
Malaysia has announced that all medically fit federal government employees must be vaccinated against COVID-19.
New South Wales makes vaccination compulsory for all healthcare staff
Healthcare staff in New South Wales (NSW) must be inoculated with the COVID-19 vaccine by September 30, said NSW health minister Brad Hazzard.
Workers in Singapore with positive ART test must work from home
If their jobs do not allow them to work from home, then employers must treat the period of absence as paid sick leave, said authorities.
Singapore reverts to work-from-home as default again
As COVID-19 cases continue to spike, work from home (WFH) will be the default for all employees who are able to do so.
Australia’s casual employment law set to kick in end-September
Changes to the Fair Work Act were passed in March, allowing casual staff the right to convert to permanent employment after 12 months of work.
All healthcare staff in Victoria state mandated to get COVID-19 vaccination
Thousands of Australian healthcare workers risk losing their jobs if they opt not to be vaccinated under new government rules.
China urges tech firms to protect gig worker rights
Regulators met with Chinese tech giants to discuss efforts to protect the basic rights of gig workers, following new government guidelines.
Clusters at Japanese workplaces due to inadequate anti-COVID measures
Japan’s health ministry has found that clusters at workplaces were due to insufficient anti-COVID measures.
Singapore mandates firms to notify worker layoffs
From November 1, all businesses in the city-state will have to notify the Ministry of Manpower of all retrenchments carried out.
Singapore explores more pervasive use of COVID-19 tests at the workplace
Authorities are looking into the wider use of antigen rapid tests at the workplace and will be establishing further testing guidelines.
Factory owners in Malaysia urged to set up workplace vaccination centres
Factory owners who employ foreign workers have been advised to set up their own vaccination centres (PPVs) at their work premises.
Singapore employers urged to regularly test unvaccinated workers
From October 1, workers in selected industries will be required to either be vaccinated, or undergo regular testing.
Malaysian businesses urged to comply with COVID-19 SOPs
As some sectors of the economy reopen, The Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Malaysia reminds businesses to comply with existing SOPs.
Malaysia mandates fortnightly COVID-19 tests for workers
Employees who need to be present at workplaces must undergo fortnightly RTK Antigen tests approved by the health ministry.
Vietnam’s southern provinces seek to end stay-at-work arrangements
Many companies in the southern part of the country are seeking approval to allow their staff to go back to their own residences.
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.
Mandatory vaccination for key-sector workers in Hong Kong
Civil servants, teachers and healthcare workers must get inoculated against COVID-19 or pay for regular testing.
Malaysia proposes enhanced SOPs for reopening of small businesses
Under the proposal, business owners and workers will have to be fully vaccinated and undergo a weekly COVID-19 swab test.
Malaysian businesses urged to embrace workplace safety and health
Employers are also advised to set up a dedicated safety department at the workplace and appoint a safety office at the work site.
SOPs should still apply to fully vaccinated workers in Malaysia
The Malaysian Employers Federation also proposed the set up of a platform to record, monitor and report adverse events related to the COVID-19 vaccinations.
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.
China seeks to protect rights of workers in flexible employment
The government is working out new laws to protect the rights of workers, especially those in flexible employment.
DOLE identifies ‘safe’ establishments in the Philippines
Business owners have been urged to get safety seals for their establishments in the country’s efforts to re-open the economy.
WFH remains default arrangement in Singapore
Despite the easing of social restrictions in Singapore, companies should continue to ensure their employees work from home, whenever possible.
Malaysian employers to be penalised for flouting pandemic measures
The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has called on the government to penalise businesses not following measures for pandemic control.
South Korea unveils $33 trillion won budget for pandemic relief
A large portion of the extra budget will be used to support small businesses, provide cash handouts to households and help struggling job seekers.
Malaysian employees make complaints about WFH neglect
The government’s guidelines stipulate that only 60% of employees in selected sectors can report to the office.
Japan promotes 4-day work-week option
The government is supporting the proposal to let employees choose a four-day work week in its annual economic policy guideline.