The South Korean government plans to expand the social safety net for 8.69 million non-standard workers, including those in platform and freelance jobs, who currently fall outside labor laws and social insurance protections. The initiative also includes a proposal to provide one-time job-seeking benefits for young people under 35 who voluntarily resign from their jobs.
During a report on the second half of the year held on August 4, the Ministry of Employment and Labor outlined key priorities, including the protection of non-standard workers, the expansion of job opportunities for youth and middle-aged individuals, and the reduction of industrial accidents and wage arrears.
The labor authorities plan to establish a provisional 'K-Labor Welfare Council' by December to comprehensively support the rights, welfare, vocational skills development, and retirement income of non-standard workers. A task force will be formed next month to gather input on the council's name, functions, and operational methods.
The council will address issues such as debt recovery, harassment relief, vacation and welfare support, vocational training, career management, and the elimination of gaps in retirement pensions.
The government will also push for a package of legislation in December that includes a basic law on workers' rights and a presumption system for workers. The number of artists and non-standard workers covered by employment insurance will be increased from 950,000 to a maximum of 1.6 million, and the scope of the 'Duru Nuri' support program will be expanded from employment insurance to include industrial accident and health insurance premiums. Childcare allowances for non-standard and freelance workers are set to be introduced by June next year.
Significant measures for youth employment are also in the works. In June, the number of employed youth decreased by 197,000 compared to the previous year, with the youth employment rate falling to 43.9%, marking a 26-month consecutive decline.
The Ministry of Employment and Labor plans to amend the Employment Insurance Act in December to allow young people under 35 who voluntarily resign after a certain period of employment to receive job-seeking benefits once in their lifetime. Discussions are ongoing regarding the benefit amount, duration, and work requirements, with plans to differentiate these from benefits currently available to involuntarily unemployed individuals.
A new 'K-Youth Guarantee' program will be established to support young people seeking their first job, providing assistance with career exploration, work experience, vocational training, and job placement.
Starting next year, the government aims to expand work experience opportunities for 20,000 individuals in the public sector and 45,000 in the private sector, while also enhancing the K-New Deal Academy, which will be operated directly by large companies. To prevent graduates from falling back into policy gaps without employment, a 'Playground' (tentative name) will be created to connect them with counseling, peer communities, and government-supported job placements and entrepreneurship.
In the area of industrial safety, the government will closely monitor 183 companies that have experienced repeated incidents of the same type of accidents over the past decade. If a serious accident occurs at these companies again, they will face intensified supervision equivalent to special inspections.
The rights of workers to stop work in dangerous situations will also be expanded. The scope of work stoppage will be broadened to include not only fatal accidents but also incidents that could lead to serious accidents, such as unconsciousness, fires, explosions, and leaks. Amendments to the Industrial Safety and Health Act will allow workers to demand work stoppages from employers.
Starting in January, the wage segregation payment system will be expanded from public construction to include private construction and shipbuilding industries. This aims to prevent wage arrears for subcontracted workers by separately paying and verifying the costs related to wages from the total contract amount.
Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Young-hoon stated, "We will focus on expanding the foundation for protecting all workers, including those who have been in vulnerable positions, such as non-standard workers."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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