Essential employees in NSW to lose COVID-19 compensation protection
The state government plans to repeal the automatic compensation rights for essential workers under section 19B of the Workers Compensation Act 1987.
Amendments to Malaysia’s Employment Act “falls short”
Although maternity leave has been extended from 60 to 90 days, this is less than the International Labour Organisation’s standard of 98 days.
Indonesia prioritises workplace safety and workers’ health
Health minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has called for more attention to be paid to the safety of workers in the workplace, particularly their health.
Japan PM promises stimulus package for pandemic relief
Cash payouts worth 100,000 yen (US$884) each will be delivered to students, temporary workers and low-income households hit hardest by COVID-19.
Taiwan’s workforce grew by 24,000 in September
The total number of workers in the industrial and service sectors grew by 0.3% to nearly 8.12 million in September, as businesses continued to recover.
Fully vaccinated job applicants in the Philippines given advantage
A proposed new policy will grant employers the discretion to hire application based on their vaccination status.
Vietnam disburses cash assistance to over 10.3 million workers
More than VND24.6 trillion (US$1.6 billion) in cash assistance has been disbursed from the unemployment insurance fund.
Malaysia looks into law to protect gig workers
So far, gig workers only receive social protection under the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme under the Social Security Organisation.
Trade unions in India say minimum wage hike “not enough”
Trade unions in the capital city say higher wages are required to offset the impact of rising inflation in prices of essential commodities.
The CHRO of the future: Looking at HR through a new lens
HRM Asia’s CHRO Online Series 2022 continues November 19 with CHRO Malaysia examining the role of the future CHRO.
Employers can decline unvaccinated candidates in the Philippines
President Rodrigo Duterte has said there is a legal basis for employers to refuse to hire potential staff who are still unvaccinated against COVID-19.
Malaysia’s minimum wage review slated for completion by year-end
The minimum wage rate was raised to RM$1,200 from RM$1,100 previously, and took effect in February 2020 across 57 cities and towns.
Japan proposes stimulus package for companies raising wages
A governmental economic-policy panel has proposed a fresh stimulus package, including shoring up support for companies increasing employee salaries.
South Korea registers job growth for eighth consecutive month
The unemployment rate for young adults, aged between 15 and 29, fell by 2.7 percentage points year-to-year to 5.6%.
Malaysia’s minimum wage subsidy excludes gig economy workers
The government does, however, provide social security protection to the self-employed, which covers gig workers.
Number of furloughed workers in Taiwan continues to drop
As domestic demand recovers due to the government’s stimulus measures, the number of furloughed workers fell by 5,635 in one week.
Wage gap by work sector widens in South Korea
The sector that saw the largest wage jump include tech firms, while the salaries of workers in the tourism and aviation sectors took a plunge.
Hong Kong pushes for weekly COVID-19 test for public workers
Unvaccinated government staff may need to get tested for COVID-19 every week instead of once every two weeks.
All work, with play: Maximising employee engagement
Vaibhav Jain, CEO and Founder of Hubilo, explains why businesses must rethink employees’ experience and leverage technology to overcome challenges.
Largest business lobby in Japan calls for more female worker support
Keidanren aims to reduce the number of women who are forced to quit their jobs to care for their children or nursing care for their parents.
Taiwan to disburse wage subsidies to help businesses
Businesses that have seen their revenue decline by at least 20% in September and October from the same period last year will be eligible for the wage subsidies.
Redefining the role of the CHRO in building the future organisation
HR leaders will have to adapt to digitalisation, balance empathy at work, and promote smart risk-taking in the workplace.
Unpaid leave await unvaccinated public officers in Singapore
Medically eligible public officers who opt to remain unvaccinated against COVID-19 may be asked to take unpaid leave.
Vietnam’s unemployment insurance supports over 5 million workers
More than 5 million workers affected by the pandemic have received assistance from the unemployment insurance fund.
Singapore to raise retirement and re-employment ages
The retirement and re-employment ages for employees will be progressively raised under the law to enable older Singaporeans to continue working.
Business recovery to receive boost in Metro Manila
The government is planning to lower Metro Manila’s pandemic restrictions to Alert Level 2 from November 15 until the end of the year.
South Korea’s wage divide between sectors widens
Workers in internet service firms saw their pay rising in the first half of 2021, while those in the travel sector experienced a slump.
Lower-wage workers in Singapore to get pay increase
Workers with gross monthly salaries of up to S$2,000 (US$1,482) should get a 4.5% to 7.5% raise of between S$70 (US$51.9) and S$90 (US$66.7).
Hong Kong to offer flexible employment for mothers
Chief Executive Carrie Lam noted that it was important to retain mothers in the workforce while offering them better childcare support.
Malaysia priorities safety of employees working from home
Malaysia is making amendments to the Employment Act 1955 on flexible work to ensure employees can work safely from home.