Wage Update: Minimum pay for private-sector workers in the Philippines’ Soccsksargen region will rise in two stages, reaching P501 a day for non-agricultural workers on Jan. 1. About 86,815 workers are expected to benefit. Worker Support: The Philippines’ labor department has launched a 24/7 hotline for workplace concerns, including inadequate water and ventilation during extreme heat, but has not set a response timeline. Hiring Practices: A survey found that 41% of respondents named little or no feedback after a job rejection as their most common bad recruitment experience. Recruiters say clear timelines and updates can help. Job Market: New Zealand’s unemployment rate rose to 5.7% in the September quarter, while long-term unemployment reached its highest level since 1995. Youth not in work or education also increased to 14.1%. Workplace Rules: UK employers must now take “all reasonable steps” to prevent workplace harassment, including by third parties. Tribunals can increase compensation by up to 25% for breaches. Federal Workforce: Nearly three-quarters of respondents in a survey of former U.S. federal employees said pressure, incentives or involuntary separation contributed to their departure.