Singapore MP proposes formalising labour laws to protect locals
Labour MP Patrick Tay has said the country needs more formal labour laws instead of mere advisories and guidelines to protect local workers.
Australian employers cannot force staff to get COVID-19 jab
The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) and Safe Work Australia (SWA) have advised employers to assume employee vaccinations are not required.
Malaysia imposes requirements for improved workers’ lodging
Failure to comply with government orders to improve living quarters will result in RM200,000 in fines or a three-year jail term, or both.
Hong Kong testing centres fully booked as businesses reopen
As the restrictions on businesses ease in Hong Kong, testing centres for COVID-19 are stretched to the max due to mandatory testing.
New SOPs for workplace safety in India to contain spread of virus
The government has issued new SOPs that allow work to resume in offices after disinfection has been done in accordance with new protocols.
France relaxes rule to allow workers to eat within work premises
The government has relaxed its labour code that explicitly forbids workers “to have their meals inside work premises”.
India proposes launch of portal to collect gig worker data
The data could help formulate health, housing, skill, insurance, credit and food schemes for migrant workers, says the finance minister.
Singapore fines companies which breached COVID-19 safety rules
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has fined 42 more companies for not following workplace safety regulations.
Companies in Malaysia to help with COVID-19 vaccination and tests
This will help the country manage the economy better, and help industry players affected by the pandemic, Malaysia’s HR minister says.
Only 37% of firms meet Japan government’s push to telecommute
The survey by business lobby Keidanren also found that the number of people commuting to work was reduced by 65%, or around 870,000.
Singapore maintains work-from-home as default option
Under current safe management measures, peak-hour travel on public transport in January has risen by 11%, compared to November 2020.
China mulls harsher penalties for workplace safety breaches
Lawmakers are proposing heavier disciplinary measures on workplaces which violate workplace safety in an effort to enhance risk management.
Skills training needed to meet targeted labour demand in Thailand
The training programmes may also need to focus on promoting livelihoods and self-employment skills in rural areas, said the World Bank
Trade bodies in Singapore support fair hiring and employment practices
Twenty-nine organisations from the Trade Associations & Chambers (TACs) have pledged their support for fair hiring and employment practices.
India proposes WFH for manufacturing industry
The government is considering whether some activity under the manufacturing sector should also have the flexibility to work from home (WFH).
Businesses in Japan that violate shutdown orders could face fines
The amendment to the special measures law is set to be enacted by the Japanese government in early February.
Employers should hire and train mature workers, eliminate bias
The country aims to tap into the Singapore workforce, instead of relaxing its foreign worker policy, says minister.
Malaysia requires employers to provide quarantine centres for foreign workers
Employers will also be responsible for medical costs and ensuring the welfare of their foreign workers.
What are the key concerns for HR in 2021?
After a largely difficult and uncertain 2020, HR faces the challenge of reinvigorating employees, as well as helping their organisations develop strategies that will ensure success in 2021.
Australian education and employer bodies call on adaptability for the future workplace
Australians need to change what, when and how they learn to prepare for the workplace of the future.
India proposes work-from-home rules for services sector
The Ministry of Labour & Employment has made the proposal to formalise work from home (WFH) regulations for the services sector in the new year.
Malaysia sees more protection for workers’ rights take effect in January
Employers or employees may now be represented by any person of their choice, excluding lawyers, during dispute processes.
Employers in Australia can make COVID-19 vaccination compulsory for staff
Businesses can force their staff to get vaccinated against COVID-19 under workplace laws.
All foreign workers In Malaysia must be screened for COVID-19 starting Jan 1
The order would see all foreign workers spanning all sectors to undergo mandatory screening.
India revamps quarterly employment surveys
Starting from March next year, the government will launch a more comprehensive All India Quarterly Base Establishment Survey (AIQBES).
China bans discrimination in job recruitments
The new ruling takes effect on March 1, 2021, and will require HR agencies to secure the protection of their candidate’s personal information.
Japan looks to shorten restaurant operating hours through subsidies
The review of the law would allow the government to handout subsidies to bars and restaurants that shorten operation hours.
All organisations should have zero tolerance against workplace sexual harassment: Delhi High Court
Sexual harassment is a serious issue that needs to be addressed at all work places urgently and sensitively.
Australia proposes food-delivery levy to fund workers’ compensation scheme
A new compensation initiative aims to protect gig economy workers injured or killed while working,
Workplace arrangements to be reviewed under Singapore’s Phase 3 opening
Are Singapore companies ready to return to the workplace?