Ministry to expand accident compensation

2023-11-21T08:00:00.0000000Z

The Japan Times

https://epaper.japantimes.co.jp/article/281638194943200

Business

The labor ministry plans to expand the scope of freelance workers eligible for workers’ accident compensation insurance, to cover all industries in principle. A subcommittee of the Labor Policy Council, which advises the labor minister, held a meeting to discuss the plan Monday. The measure, which the ministry hopes to implement by autumn next year, is aimed at creating an environment in which freelancers can work with a sense of security amid the diversification of working styles. Workers’ accident compensation insurance is a national program in which corporate employees can receive benefits if they are involved in accidents during work or while commuting. Insurance premiums are paid by employers. The program has a special system allowing small business operators and freelancers in some industries to enroll if they pay premiums. The program will be reviewed to make eligible for the special system in principle all freelancers to whom corporations have outsourced work. A government survey has found that there are 4.62 million freelancers in Japan, of whom 2.73 million are estimated to be working on commission from corporations. The scope of freelance workers covered by the special system has thus far been expanded by sector. Animation production workers, bicycle delivery workers and information technology freelancers were added in 2021, while dental technicians were added last year. The ministry’s review was prompted by part of a new law enacted in April to ensure proper business transactions between freelancers and corporations.

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