Market-based support benefits MSMEs more than subsidies or loans
To help MSMEs recover from the pandemic, the Asian Development Bank is urging governments to consider more targeted and differentiated assistance.
New Zealand restarts working holiday visa
The decision to restart the working visa programme was welcomed by tourism employers, who would have access to a pool of offshore workers.
Prudential empowers a healthier workforce in Singapore
Launched last April, Pulse by Prudential is an AI-powered app that aims to make healthcare more accessible for all in Singapore.
Total employment in Singapore grows for first time since start of pandemic
Singapore’s labour market is showing shoots of recovery with total employment growing by 4,800 in Q1’21 after four consecutive quarters of decline.
Malaysia aims to have 50 SMEs join its business improvement programme
SMEs selected for the programme will undergo capacity building and be eligible to receive financial assistance of up to RM500,000.
Singaporeans perceive improvement in local labour market
Over the past year, Singaporeans’ perception of the job market has shown marked improvement, while their job security levels remain largely unchanged.
WFH in Japan limited to office workers, survey finds
Staff working from locations other than their offices accounted for 19.2% of all workers in Japan in April, which is almost unchanged from levels in July 2020.
Philippine employers’ association urges for waiver of licence fees
To spur job creation, the country’s biggest employers’ association has called on the government to waive off fees for the renewal of existing permits and licences.
Taiwan mandates occupational accident insurance for all workers
Employers are required to sign their staff up for the insurance on their first day at work, regardless of company size, or face a fine of up to NT$100,000.
Australia considers increasing childcare subsidies for female workers
To increase women’s participation in the workforce, the Australian government is considering increasing childcare subsidies in its upcoming budget.
Singapore’s low-wage workers fund receives $4 million boost
The fund, launched in 2017, has helped workers in the lower-wage group while they search for a new job and wait for social support.
Pandemic dampens Japan PM’s plans to raise minimum wage
Japan’s SMEs and some members of the ruling party are opposing prime minister Yoshihide Suga’s proposal to increase the minimum wage.
Philippines to dole out compensation to COVID-19-positive workers
To receive the compensation, workers will need to present a certificate of employment, an RT-PCR test, and accompanying medical records.
Singapore names Tan See Leng as new Manpower Minister
Tan See Leng, who is currently Second Minister for Manpower, will take over Josephine Teo with effect from May 15.
Employers’ group in Malaysia says vaccination should remain voluntary
The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has said vaccinations are still on a voluntary basis unless the government makes it mandatory for workers.
Hong Kong lawmakers renew calls for more COVID-19 support
Business sector legislators have called for short-term support for the unemployed in the form of HK$6,000 per month for six months.
Pandemic affected more women workers than men in South Korea
The number of employed women aged between 25 and 54 fell by 541,000 year-on-year last March, more than the 327,000 for men in the same age group.
Australia’s unions push back against calls for minimum wage delay
Major employer groups have argued for the Fair Work Commission to either impose a pay freeze or delay any pay hikes until February 2022.
Australia may allow employers to require staff to be vaccinated
In a first of its kind, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) has upheld the termination of a childcare worker who had refused to get a flu jab.
Japanese companies use various approaches when recruiting
A survey carried out from late March to early April saw 40 companies saying that they have increased or plan to increase mid-career hiring.
MSMEs in Indonesia urged to adopt digital technology
Minister of trade Muhammad Lutfi said the use of digital technology is vital for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to compete globally.
One of five part-timers in South Korea want to work longer
The number of individuals who worked less than 36 hours a week reached 5.9 million last month, marking an increase of 836,000, or 16.6% year-on-year.
Japan government pushes for digital wage payment amid safety concerns
The labour ministry is advocating for companies to adopt digital payrolls within the current fiscal year, though safety concerns remain.
Taiwan cabinet approves measures to attract foreign talent
The amendment to the law would also allow foreign professionals to enjoy greater tax concessions, from the current three years to five years.
Vietnamese workers’ average salary rises in first quarter
Data from the General Statistics Office (GSO) showed that the average income of workers rose 5.7% in Q1 compared to Q4 of 2020.
South Korea’s minimum wage under debate
The decision has to be made before August 5, which is the legal deadline for the Ministry of Employment and Labour to deliver an official notice to the public.
Building and futureproofing the workforce of tomorrow
Tan Tock Seng Hospital’s David Hendrick shares with HRM Asia how workforces can be futureproofed through sustainable learning.
Thailand compiles list of 225,000 job vacancies for unemployed
To help workers made jobless by the latest COVID-19 wave, the country’s Ministry of Labour is compiling a list of more than 225,000 job vacancies.
Indian government advises staff to WFH
Various departments have asked their employees to report at staggered timings, while those living in COVID-19 containment zones are told to stay home.
8.8% of Malaysian workers paid below minimum wage
8.8% of workers in the country are paid a basic salary below the RM1,200 (US$291) monthly minimum wage.