Most nonregular workers are unaware of a new rule that enables them to work until mandatory retirement age after spending five years at the same company, an online survey has shown.
The rule, included in the revised labor contract law that was enacted in April 2013, thus appears to be unknown by many of the people who stand to be most affected by it. The rule takes effect next April, and one must still apply for the employment status to get it.
Nonregular workers comprise around 40 percent of Japan's workforce, and the purpose of the rule is to give them more job security. But it remains unclear whether wages would rise because the rule says nothing about what happens to pay or benefits after the long-term employment status is acquired.