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.
Driving organisational growth with L&D as the focal point
Learning Technologies Asia 2021 will examine how organisations can develop their learning strategies to stay ahead, innovate and grow.
Malaysia approved RM12.76 billion in wage subsidies as of end January
The National Employment Council estimates that over 160,000 new jobs will be created this year through committed investments.
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”.
New Zealand mulls vaccinating workers at their workplaces
The government is considering giving employees the COVID-19 vaccine the same way they get their annual flu jab at work.
Australian MP calls on six months parental leave for fathers
This would encourage fathers to share care of the child, causing less disruption and long-term impact to women’s careers, she says.
Philippine MSMEs cannot afford wage increase amid pandemic
Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) believes that raising daily wages by P100 (US$2.1) will likely result in more unemployment.
Japan’s overtime pay in 2020 sees largest fall in 11 years
The speed of decline was the fastest since 2009, when the global financial crisis led to a drop of overtime wages by 13.5%.
South Korea sees rise in paternity leave in 2020
There were 27,423 private sectors workers who requested paternity leave last year, more than double that of 2017’s total of 12,042.
Indian employees can opt for four-day work week soon
Labour and employment secretary Apurva Chandra said the new labour codes would provide the flexibility of four working days in a week.
Australia’s payroll jobs rise 1.3% in first half of January
Payroll jobs had the largest increases in the states of Queensland, up by 2.8%, and South Australia, up by 2.4%.
Malaysia’s jobless rate highest since 1993
The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) has said the country’s unemployment rate increased 4.5% in 2020 – the highest in 27 years.
Unemployment in Hong Kong not just limited to grassroots level
While unemployment is severe among the lower class, middle-level occupations have also been badly hit by unemployment.
Hong Kong seeks to relax subsidy criteria for low-income workers
The basic subsidy for low-income families, once relaxed, would benefit around 24,000 more underemployed households.
Singapore employers not looking to adjust pay despite new norm of WFH
Most employers are not considering adjusting their staff’s salary even as remote working has become a trend.
Some 300,000 Australians benefit from wage hike
This covers the country’s retail, fast food and warehouse workers, as well as those who work in aviation, arts and recreation, and tourism.
Thailand prepares to launch pandemic relief package
Prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has given the go-ahead for financial aid costing 40 billion baht to help employees left out under previous schemes.
Japan’s non-regular workers yet to receive compensation for forced leave
Some 33.4% of non-regular workers received no compensation for forced leave, as compared to 14.8% for regular staff, a survey shows.
Hong Kong’s minimum wage to remain at HK$37.50 an hour
The decision was made after a review from government officials, academics and business representatives showed majority consensus.
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.
Workers in the Philippines to be upskilled in AI
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has launched an AI programme to prepare workers for disruption from technological advancement.
New Zealand’s union calls for sick leave for new employees
The Council of Trade Unions (CTU) is pushing for the removal of the rule that workers must be employed for six months before getting sick leave.
Taiwan protects working rights of middle-aged and senior workers
The Executive Yuan has passed a new Act to address the challenges of an ageing population and potential future labour shortages.
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.
Malaysia’s wage subsidies total RM20.7 billion in payouts
The third phase of the country’s wage subsidy programme will receive an additional injection of RM500 million.
Women in India hit harder in employment due to pandemic
Out of those who could retain their jobs, about 83% of women workers in India faced a severe income drop, said Oxfam India.
Top employers are reinventing the role of HR
Working with Asia-Pacific’s top organisations, Top Employers Institute is continuing to identify trends in HR strategies and workplace practices.
Employers in Singapore urged to adopt hybrid working arrangements
Multi-ministry COVID-19 taskforce co-chair and education minister Lawrence Wong has said a total work-from-home arrangement is “not doable”.
Pandemic dulls outlook for pay hikes at Japan’s annual wage talks
Japan’s Business Federation says companies should have more financial leeway and pay hikes are unrealistic amid the economic uncertainty.
Investment in upskilling can boost GDP by US$6.5 trillion by 2030
Skills enhancement would ensure that workers have the experience and skills needed for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.