Japan – Number of non-regular workers reaches record high

The number of non-regular workers in Japan hit a record high in 2017, according to data from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication. Non-regular workers include contract employees, part-timers and temporary staff.

The data showed there were 66.21 million workers in Japan in 2017, of whom 21.33 million held non-regular positions. The overall workforce grew by 1.79 million from 2012, with non-regular workers accounting for 900,000 of those additions.

The spike in non-regular workers is said to be likely attributable to baby boomers taking up new jobs after reaching retirement age.

Earlier this year, Japan’s parliament passed a labour reform bill pushing for the equal pay, equal work principle in which workers would be equally treated in terms of wages and other conditions irrespective of their contract status if they engage in the same work.

Source:: http://www2.staffingindustry.com/row/Editorial/Daily-News/Japan-Number-of-non-regular-workers-reaches-record-high-46748