NSW expands COVID-19 test and isolation programme
Unions have lauded the decision to provide payments to workers over 17 years of age if certain conditions are met.
Japan’s nominal wages in July rise by 1%
The rise reflected an increase in non-regular pay, which declined last year due to a fall in overtime working hours amid the pandemic.
Thailand approves US$518 million of COVID-19 support
The funds will financially support companies and employees affected by the latest measures to contain the latest spike in COVID-19 cases.
Debate over vaccination should be driven by employee wellbeing
While the debate rages on in many countries if COVID-19 vaccination should be mandatory, all considerations should be people-driven.
Record number of Australians are working at least two jobs
The largest increase in workers holding multiple jobs include the sectors of administrative and support services, as well as arts and recreation.
Malaysia to focus on job and income recovery in 2022 budget
The 2022 budget will focus on job and income recovery and provide more targeted assistance to boost socio-economic resilience.
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.
Cambodian unions call for 11.6% increase to minimum wage
Representatives of 17 national unions have agreed to ask for a US$22.20 increase to the minimum wage for textile, garment and footwear workers for 2022.
Where to from here – HR in the year ahead
Research from Sapient Insights Group highlights emerging trends on HR and workforce planning technology.
Maintaining organisational agility with a hybrid workforce
With the emergence of the hybrid workforce, organisations have more questions to answer than ever before when it comes to talent management
Malaysian SMEs appeal for more staff to be allowed to return to work
Employers are urging the government to allow people who have received their first vaccine dose to get back to work to prevent their businesses from shuttering.
Singapore’s unemployment rate edges up by 0.2% in July
The resident unemployment rate increased from 3.5% to 3.7%, while the citizen unemployment rate rose from 3.7% to 3.9%.
New Zealand temp staff unable to access wage subsidy scheme
The issue of recruitment agencies not being able to access governmental wage subsidies is being examined and discussed.
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.
Cultivating a sense of belonging for organisational success
A new report by Achievers highlights why an effective and successful workforce starts with employees who feel that they belong.
Australian senate passes workplace sexual harassment bill
The Sex Discrimination and Fair Work (Respect at Work) Amendment Bill of 2021 protects all Australians from workplace sexual harassment.
Malaysia’s SME association against GST implementation in 2022
The association warned that SMEs were in their most vulnerable stage and would likely shut down if the economy remained closed.
New Zealand considers additional COVID-19 support for firms
Over 25,000 businesses have signed an Auckland Business Chamber petition calling for the provision of more financial support.
No proof of vaccination during recruitment in Taiwan
The Workforce Development Agency (WDA) has stated that employers are not allowed to ask potential hires for proof of COVID vaccination.
Men earn 1.6 times higher wages than women in South Korea
The gender wage gap, which measures the rate of men’s average pay to that of women, measured 35.9% in 2020.
Large Japanese firms see 8% drop in summer bonuses
A survey by the Japan Business Federation took into account the agreed bonuses of 159 Tokyo-listed firms with over 500 employees.
Aid for businesses take precedent over minimum wage: Taiwan minister
Taiwan is deliberating on the minimum wage for 2022, even as some businesses continue to struggle financially because of the pandemic.
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 redoubles efforts to support lower-wage workers
The Progressive Wage Model will be expanded to new sectors such as retail, food services and waste management.
Singapore’s fair employment guidelines to become law
The current guidelines on anti-discrimination at workplaces will be “enshrined” into law, giving the fair employment watchdog more teeth.
Business association urges Malaysia to reopen borders to boost businesses
Samenta also calls on for the exemption of hotel quarantines for business travellers who are fully vaccinated and have tested negative for COVID-19.
Protection for persons who administer vaccination in Australia
A compensation scheme has been launched to protect employers and medical professionals who carry out COVID-19 vaccinations.
Singapore supports low-wage workers, extends COVID-19 tests aid
Singapore will ramp up the funding of a scheme that helps local workers whose earnings are in the bottom 20%, receiving not more than S$2,300 a month.
More Japanese public servants take up paternity leave
Some 97.2% of the male national public servants whose children were born between July 2020 and March 2021 took paternity leave for at least a month.
New contracts in New Zealand can include vaccination requirement
Workplace relations minister has confirmed that COVID-19 vaccination requirements can be written into new employment agreements.