The latest business Intelligence for HR professionals and people managers everywhere
Sign UpOnline Version
APAC Edition
7th October 2024
 
THE HOT STORY
Hong Kong requires further incentives to keep older residents in workforce, experts say
Experts want Hong Kong to introduce more incentives to retain older residents in the local workforce, as poverty among the elderly continues to rise. Chau Siu-chung, a labour sector lawmaker, said: “We urge the government to step up support and encourage employment among the elderly to tackle the greying population and help lift older residents out of poverty.” A recent report by Oxfam Hong Kong revealed that over 1.39m people in Hong Kong  live in poverty, with more than 580,000 aged 65 and above falling below the poverty line. The labour force participation rate for the elderly in Hong Kong is only 13.9%, significantly lower than in countries like Japan and Singapore. Experts suggest adopting measures from these nations, such as tax concessions for employers hiring older workers and creating a more age-friendly work environment. Terry Leung Ming-fung from Oxfam Hong Kong emphasised that “assisting impoverished elderly to return to work was key in helping them improve their circumstances and lift them out of poverty.”
WORKFORCE
Gig work is viewed as long-term employment in India
The platform-based economy in India is a significant source of employment, says a study from the International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIITH). Nimmi Rangaswamy, a professor at IIITH, noted that many delivery workers view gig work as a long-term employment opportunity, saying: "They have come to understand their jobs and the manner in which they can benefit." The study claims that gig work offers more structure compared to other unregulated jobs, and provides workers with a sense of assurance around pay. "At least the gig workers know they will be paid, unlike the others who are not assured of a fixed salary every month," Rangaswamy said. The research also anticipates an influx of older workers in their 40s and 50s joining India's gig economy soon.
LEGAL
Malaysia PM's visit to Bangladesh focuses on labour issues
Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim visited Bangladesh on Friday for discussions centred on labour issues, marking the first high-level visit since the interim administration led by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus took office. The talks will cover a range of topics, including economic cooperation, trade, and labour migration, which is a significant concern given that over 1m Bangladeshi workers are already in Malaysia. The Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies has urged leaders to dismantle a syndicate of recruiting agencies that has precipitated concerns over transparency and fairness in the recruitment process.
Cambodian worker is deported from Malaysia
Nuon Toeun, a 36-year-old Cambodian domestic worker, was deported from Malaysia and arrested upon her return to Cambodia after criticising government leaders on social media. Following her deportation, she was charged with incitement to commit a felony and could face up to five years in prison. Human rights organisations have condemned her deportation as a violation of international law, saying she "committed no crime except expressing her opinions." The incident coincides with the arrest of Mech Dara, one of Cambodia's most high-profile journalists, who faces charges that could lead to a two-year prison sentence for allegedly "inciting social unrest." The Cambodian government has previously been accused of silencing dissent and cracking down on critics. Freedom House, a US-based organisation that promotes democracy, notes that the practice of targeting exiled dissidents is becoming increasingly common.
TECHNOLOGY
AI adoption surges in Thailand
According to the "Readiness for the Application of AI Technology for Digital Services in 2024" survey conducted by the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) and the National Science Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 17.8% of Thai organisations have implemented artificial intelligence (AI), a rise from 15% last year. Furthermore, 73.3% say they plan to adopt AI in the future, up from 56% in the previous year. However, challenges to the adoption of AI remain, including a lack of skilled personnel and funding for technology development. Chai Wutiwiwatchai, executive director of the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (Nectec), anticipates the establishment of a National AI committee to further Thailand's AI strategy.
CYBERSECURITY
Hong Kong gives key companies more time to report critical cybersecurity lapses
Hong Kong's Security Bureau has proposed a new law that extends the reporting time for operators of critical infrastructure from two hours to 12 hours for serious cybersecurity incidents. The change follows a consultation process that highlighted concerns about the practicality of the original timeframe. A bureau spokesman explained: “We have considered the practical difficulties and made references to other jurisdictions.” The Protection of Critical Infrastructure (Computer System) Bill aims to regulate sectors essential to society, including energy, banking, and healthcare. Operators must develop a security management plan and report any exposure issues, with penalties for non-compliance reaching up to HK$5m (US$643,200). The law is expected to be implemented by early 2026, allowing time for the establishment of a new commissioner's office.
INTERNATIONAL
Amazon faces US labour board complaint over 'joint employment' of drivers
Amazon has been accused by the US National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) of illegally refusing to negotiate with a union representing drivers employed by Battle Tested Strategies (BTS). The NLRB's complaint asserts that Amazon is a "joint employer" of these drivers and employed illegal tactics to suppress union activities at a facility in Palmdale, California. Following their unionization last year, BTS drivers became the first Amazon delivery contractors to join the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Teamsters President Sean O'Brien said: “This decision brings us one step closer to getting Amazon workers the pay, working conditions, and contracts they deserve." The case will be heard by an administrative judge in Los Angeles. In other Amazon news, the company is planning to hire 250,000 transportation and warehouse workers this holiday shopping season, the same number as last year, the company said on Thursday. "Although there is an anticipated increase in the demand and the volume, we feel like the 250,000 is the right number to continue to grow and advance with our operations," explained Amazon vice president Sandy Gordon. 
Medical conditions leave one in five in UK jobless or limit their ability to work
According to a report by the Commission for Healthier Working Lives, Britain's ill-health crisis is significantly impacting the workforce, with over 8m adults either jobless or limited in their work capacity. The study reveals that one in five working-age individuals suffers from health conditions that hinder their employment, with those affected being three times more likely to be unemployed. The report highlights a 37% increase in such cases since 2013, with 4.3m people currently out of work due to health issues. It goes on to call for reforms in sick pay and urges the government to incentivise employers to support workforce health. Some 60,000 women are currently off work due to symptoms relating to the menopause, costing the UK economy £11bn annually. Sacha Romanovitch, chairman of the commission, said: “If we intervene early and provide the right support, people can stay at work for longer. That is a goal that is great for individuals, great for businesses and great for society.”
Steinhoff’s former finance chief sentenced to prison in South Africa
Ben la Grange, the former finance director of  Steinhoff, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison, with five suspended on condition that he is not found guilty of fraud, for his role in a €6.5bn accounting scandal, making him the highest-ranking executive convicted in the case. Acting on the instructions of deceased former chief executive and alleged kingpin of the fraud Markus Jooste, la Grange created documentation that supported fraudulent transactions used to inflate and falsify the Steinhoff Group’s annual financial statements for the 2016 financial year. 
OTHER
Hairy crab prices sank during Golden Week
During China's Golden Week holiday, the prices of hairy crabs, a popular gift, dropped significantly due to weak consumer spending. Liang Qing, a hairy crab dealer, noted: “Many customers told us that their business – either domestic or export – is bad and the budget for gift giving has been reduced by half or more”. Despite a 10% drop in supply this year, prices are expected to remain low or fall further. The decline in prices reflects broader challenges in boosting consumer confidence, as retail sales only rose by 3.4% year on year in the first eight months of the year. In response, Beijing has implemented various stimulus measures, including a 500m yuan consumption voucher plan, to revive the economy.
 


The Human Times is designed to help you stay ahead, spark ideas and support innovation, learning and development in your organisation.

The links under articles indicate original news sources. Some links lead directly to the source material. Others lead to paywalls where you may need a subscription. A third category are restricted by copyright rules.

For reaction and insights on any stories covered in the Human Times, join the discussion by becoming a member of our LinkedIn Group or Business Page, or follow us on Twitter.
Follow us on FacebookFollow us on XFollow us on Linkedin

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe