China’s unemployment rate fell in 2021 as more jobs created
Certain sectors, such as wholesale and retail, saw more employment, which contributed to the overall employment stability.
Thai PM not in favour of wage increases
Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-O-Cha said now is not the time for a hike in salaries and wages as the country cannot bear the additional financial burden.
Malaysia disburses some RM1.3 million in compensation to delivery riders
The payments cover temporary and permanent disability benefits, medical expenses, and funeral and dependent benefits.
Employers urged to grant paid quarantine leave in the Philippines
Employers are encouraged to grant paid leave for workers who have contracted COVID-19 and need to be quarantined.
Ushering in the new era of the hybrid workforce
With 2022 likely to be the year of hybrid work, organisations need to develop and introduce effective hybrid work strategies and policies.
Clarification wanted on South Korea’s new industrial accident law
Foreign companies are calling on the government to provide “clarity” and “predictability” on the tougher law relating to serious industrial accidents.
P$1 billion of cash aid to be disbursed to workers in the Philippines
Some 200,000 formal sector workers affected by pandemic-led restrictions in Metro Manila and other regions are set to receive P5,000 in cash aid.
South Korea’s jobs growth surges to 7-year high in 2021
This was the most number of jobs added in seven years as the labour market bounces back to pre-pandemic levels.
Japan minister encourages businesses to telework
The goal of teleworking is to maintain the same level of socio-economic activities in a time when rapid spread of COVID-19 is expected.
Malaysia budgets RM20.107 billion for wage subsidies
The government has allocated RM20.107 billion (US$4.8 billion) to 357,402 employers under its Wage Subsidy Programme (PSU).
Indonesia’s manpower minister urges for gender equality at work
Women should be given equal employment opportunities in Indonesia, said Manpower Minister Ida Fauziyah.
Hong Kong to roll out another round of pandemic subsidies
Chief Executive Carrie Lam has said that the government is preparing another round of subsidies for businesses impacted by the Omicron outbreaks.
Thailand raises maternity leave for public officials
The increase of maternity leave from three to six months is in line with the government’s policy of encouraging breastfeeding among mothers.
How to attract and retain the best talent
In a new e-book, Culture Amp highlights how the ‘Great Resignation’ is providing opportunities for organisations to rethink their talent strategy
Vietnam approves US$15.3 billion stimulus package
The package will help businesses and workers hit by the pandemic, revive an economy impacted by strict lockdowns, and increase infrastructure spending.
Firms in Malaysia encouraged firms to arrange workers’ vaccination
A public outreach programme provides a more controlled and easier way for workers to receive their booster shots.
Japan’s employers’ body supports wage increase
Companies which are making profits are encouraged to increase workers’ salaries during the upcoming wage negotiations.
Cambodia introduces COVID-19 protocols for businesses
These include what to do when staff test positive, how to perform risk assessment and inspections, and procedures for monitoring and evaluation.
More companies implementing 4-day workweek in Japan
Panasonic Corp has joined a small, but growing, number of Japanese companies to offer staff a four-day workweek to encourage better work-life balance.
Malaysia’s unemployment rate continues to drop
The number of unemployed persons fell below 700,000 in November, its lowest level since April 2020, according to the Department of Statistics.
Formal employment in India jumps by 0.2 million in July-September quarter
Over the period, 31 million jobs were created in sectors such as manufacturing and education, an increase from 30.8 million in the preceding quarter.
More than 30% of Japanese dads take parental leave
The ratio of eligible male workers who took childcare leave in fiscal 2020 exceeded 30% in 42 of the country’s 100 leading companies.
Singapore issued over $141,000 fines for workplace management breaches
These include asking employees to return to the workplace when they can work from home, and not implementing sufficient safe distancing measures.
Most Malaysian MSMEs unable to afford minimum wage
Most businesses are not ready to increase the minimum wage as they still have not recovered from the economic impact of the pandemic.
Singapore’s jobless rate continues to fall
The overall unemployment rate fell to 2.5% in November from 2.6% the month before, statistics from the Manpower Ministry show.
South Korea to provide new fiscal support for pandemic-hit firms
The government is planning to grant 40 trillion won (US$33.2 billion) of fresh funds to small firms and the self-employed before the Lunar New Year.
Firms in the Philippines encouraged to implement WFH
Government agencies also urged companies to provide sufficient assistance for individuals who are undergoing quarantine and isolation.
Japan PM renews call to reverse salary downtrend
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has reiterated his call to business groups and unions to “boldly reverse” a downtrend in workers’ wages.
Vietnam scales down fiscal stimulus package
A slimmer stimulus package of 347 trillion dong (US$15.2 billion) is being considered to lift the pandemic-hit economy.
India’s central government allows 50% of staff to WFH
Amid the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, the central government is allowing half of its employees below the rank of under secretary to work from home.