Two in three SMEs in Malaysia pessimistic on recovery for 2021
A survey revealed that only 16% of SMEs expect their businesses to recover only in 2023, citing movement restrictions as dampening business demand.
Governments urged to build comprehensive WFH policies
Earlier in June, India issued an advisory to encourage WFH for all nursing mothers for at least a year, in jobs where remote work is possible.
India seeks to reduce gender gap in the workplace
India has fallen 28 places to rank 140th among 156 countries in gender gap parity, according to a World Economic Forum report.
Taiwan to approve 1 million pandemic relief loans
More than double the expected 500,000 people had applied for COVID-19 relief loans from the Ministry of Labour (MOL).
Singapore extends deadlines for loan repayments
With continued economic recovery, the central bank intends to move away from industry-wide credit reliefs to more targeted support measures.
Malaysia provides assistance to workers and employers
The Ministry of Human Resources has urged workers and employers affected by the pandemic to apply for benefits under the Employment Insurance System.
New Zealand retail workers’ pay rises 6.1%
Amid a shortage of experienced retail staff, employers have been forced to increase wages to retain and attract talent.
Most Japan companies plan to conduct workplace COVID-19 vaccinations
To speed up the vaccination rate in the country, a nationwide plan allows companies and universities to run their own vaccination drives.
Australia’s NSW state to launch paid miscarriage leave
All New South Wales (NSW) public-sector workers will be entitled to five days of paid leave if they suffer a miscarriage of a child.
Singapore employers to get S$2.2 billion in wage subsidies
Under the Jobs Support Scheme, more than 140,000 employers will receive wage subsidies totaling S$2.2 billion (US$1.6 billion) from June 30.
South Korea undecided on minimum wage rate
The Minimum Wage Commission reported that the current minimum hourly wage rate of 8,720 won (US$7.69) is not sufficient to cover the cost of living.
Japan engages companies to boost vaccination drive
Vaccination in the country is getting a shot in the arm as thousands of companies start inoculating their employees.
Malaysia turns to e-payrolls to streamline business operations
The digital system will be able to automate and combine various payroll, compensation and deduction functions into one simple application.
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HR Tech Festival Asia Online 2021: Defining HR’s roadmap for 2022
Taking place from September 21-23, Asia’s largest HR Tech event of 2021 will highlight the key drivers of leadership, culture and employee experience in 2022.
Japan promotes 4-day work-week option
The government is supporting the proposal to let employees choose a four-day work week in its annual economic policy guideline.
Malaysian employers group calls for coordinated COVID-19 enforcement
Enforcement authorities create more confusion, instead of allowing employers to focus on carrying out their duties, said the MEF president.
Singapore maintains WFH as default arrangement, extends jobs support
Workers cannot be cross-deployed to multiple worksites, and employers need to implement flexible working hours and staggered start times.
Australia increases minimum wage by 2.5% to benefit 2.2 million workers
The Fair Wage Commission (FWC) has raised the minimum wage and related award minimum wages by 2.5%.
Philippines incentivises vaccinated workers with freebies
Some 1,000 essential workers from Metro Manila and another thousand from other regions are expected to benefit from the programme.
South Korea rejects further extension to delay 52-hour work week
Companies employing between five and 49 workers will have to comply with the 52-hour work week by next month.
Taiwan firms want tax breaks, COVID-19 vaccines and wage subsidies
72.59% of manufacturers want a business tax break, while 71.25% would like to receive wage subsidies to help them meet their payroll costs, a survey finds.
Many Australian companies unwilling to increase wages
In place of higher wages, companies are instead offering one-off bonuses and flexible working arrangements, says the Reserve Bank of Australia.
South Korea’s government urged to delay implementing longer work week
Small businesses in the country have asked for more time to prepare for the 52-hour work week, which is set to be implemented next month.
Malaysia’s SME Association urges decisive measures to tackle pandemic
It proposed a one-month state of emergency where all economic activities are halted, while essential services continue to operate at 50% capacity.
Bank of Thailand extends debt restructuring measures for SMEs
The debt moratorium has been extended from June 30 to December, and will be applicable to SMEs hit by the economic uncertainty due to the pandemic.
Some unvaccinated employees face discrimination in Hong Kong
Employees who face discrimination if they refused to be vaccinated may be able to mount a legal challenge, depending if it is “reasonable or necessary.”
Malaysian companies must shoulder additional costs for vaccination
Companies participating in the programme that sees their employees vaccinated need to pay for the additional costs involved.
Japan pushes for higher wages across regions
Across the country, Japan aims to achieve a national average of ¥1,000 per hour and narrow the pay gap between regions.
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