Average overtime pay in Japan in 2020 fell 12.1% from the previous year, the sharpest drop in 11 years, as the coronavirus pandemic forced many businesses to cut their operating hours, government data showed Tuesday.
The average stood at ¥17,352 ($165) per month, the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry said in a preliminary report that covered workplaces with at least five workers. The pace of decline was the fastest since 2009 when the global financial crisis and economic downturn caused a slide of 13.5%.
By sector, the average plunged 33.5% among livelihood services such as hair salons as well as the entertainment industry. Restaurant and hotel operators marked a 27.3% fall while manufacturers saw a 19.5% drop.