World – Countries looking to give rights to independent contractors working through online apps (The Straits Times)

Around the world, many countries are looking to improve conditions for independent contractors working through online apps such as Uber, The Straits Times newspaper in Singapore reported. Examples include Uber recognizing 70,000 of its drivers in the UK as “workers,” and China’s market regulator...

India – Tech Mahindra acquiring stake in IT services firm AustinGiS for USD 1.25 million

IT services firm Tech Mahindra (NSE: TECHM) announced it’s acquiring a 13.8% stake in AustinGiS Inc., an IT solutions provider, for USD 1.25 million in cash. The deal is expected to close on 15 September.

AustinGiS specializes in Internet of Things and 5G services. The company was founded just this...

China – Staffing provider Renrui says it’s working on acquisition

Renrui Human Resources Technology Holdings Ltd. (6919:HKG), a staffing provider based in Chengdu, China, said it is eyeing the acquisition of a group of companies providing staffing services to local commercial banks in China.

The announcement, released this week, said negotiations on the possible acquisition...

New Zealand – Labour Inspectorate starts national campaign over IC misclassification of couriers

The New Zealand Labour Inpectorate last month said it’s running a national campaign on the misclassification of courier drivers as independent contractors.

It’s asking couriers with concerns about their employment classification or minimum employment requirements to reach out to the agency.

“We’re...

Australia – Job ads fall 2.5% in August, decline could continue amid lockdowns

The number of job ads in Australia fell 2.5% month over month in August following a downwardly revised 1.3% decline in July amid Covid-19 lockdowns, according to a report released Monday by ANZ. It expects job ads to decline further amid lockdowns, but the setback should be temporary once restrictions...

Singapore – SpeakIn announces joint venture with recruitment firm Exponent Global Consulting

SpeakIn, a Singapore-based tech-enabled professional learning platform, announced their official partnership with recruitment firm, Exponent Global Consulting to further expand its presence across Asia

“This collaboration hopes to grant both SpeakIn and Exponent Global Consulting the ability to revolutionise...

Australia – Skilled migration rules updated

The Minister for Immigration has updated his directions to the Department of Home Affairs which outline the order of processing for permanent skilled and temporary work visas (specifically the Subclass 482 visas). A summary of the new priority processing order is provided by Immigration Rules Australia...

Singapore – Unemployment rate inches up slightly in July (The Straits Times)

Singapore’s unemployment rate in July stood at 2.8% up from 2.7%  in June, reports The Straits Times, citing research from the Ministry of Manpower. For the first time in ten months, Singapore's resident and citizen unemployment rates saw a slight increase in July, rising 0.2% each, following...

Singapore – Employers and Employees think that vaccinations should be mandatory in the workplace

As Singapore has over 80% of its population vaccinated, research from job site Indeed shows that 82% of workforce and employers agree that vaccination should be made mandatory in the workplace.

The survey was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Indeed among 1000 employees and 251 employers in the technology,...

Malaysia – Online recruitment rises 33% in July: Monster Employment Index

According to data from the Monster Employment Index, online recruitment in Malaysia increased by 33% in July 2021 compared to July 2020.

The Monster Employment Index (MEI) rose to 57 in July 2021 from 43 in July 2020.

Monthly job demand witnessed a drop of 3%, as June 2021 saw an index of 59.

In July 2021,...