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).
Firms in Vietnam employed over 14.7 million workers in 2020
Over the same period, the number of private businesses and production establishments totalled nearly 5.2 million, an increase of 5.7% from 2016.
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Indonesia’s manpower minister urges for gender equality at work
Women should be given equal employment opportunities in Indonesia, said Manpower Minister Ida Fauziyah.
Success of flexible working depends on both workers and firms
Employers in Singapore have also been urged to clearly communicate their expectations upfront and manage appraisals fairly based on work outcomes.
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.
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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.
Singapore warns against legislating WFH arrangements
The country believes that the approach to workplace flexibility should be inclusive, as remote working is not practical for all types of workers.
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.
Companies in the Philippines urged to reskill and upskill workers
The government is focusing on sector development, identifying skills that are in demand and needed by industries as they adapt to pandemic-driven changes.
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.
Companies in Japan urged to innovate by business groups
Japan’s major business organisations want companies to spur economic growth, and to view the pandemic as a business opportunity.
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.
China implements greater tax cuts and extends support for businesses
The government will also be increasing deductions for research and development expenses under businesses’ income tax filings.
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.
South Korea aims to attract more skilled workers
A fast-track visa system for foreigners with a master or PhD degree in science and IT will guarantee legal status during their job search period.