Consideration begins to create an environment that makes it easier for men to take childcare leave October 10, Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare 6:37
While the percentage of men who took childcare leave remains at a low level, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has begun studying ways to create an environment that makes it easier to take childcare leave, such as procedures that make it easier to take time off immediately after childbirth and the expansion of split acquisition, which is up to two times. ..
According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, as of October last year, 83% of women were able to take childcare leave, compared to 7.48% of men.
Based on this situation, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has started a council of labor and management representatives to consider creating an environment where men can easily take childcare leave.
Specifically, a system that allows companies to take childcare leave, such as procedures that make it easy for women to take a rest immediately after childbirth, and whether to increase the number of split acquisitions that allow the second time if the first is taken within 8 weeks after giving birth. We will discuss whether it is mandatory to explain to workers.
We are also considering ways to encourage companies to announce the rate of taking childcare leave.
According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, the direction of promoting the taking of childcare leave is the same, but as the effects of the new coronavirus spread, the focus will be on how much management can accept the burden.
The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has decided to make necessary revisions to the law once the labor-management discussions are finalized.
Male childcare leave acquisition rate continues to be low
The law states that childcare leave can be taken by applying to the company at least one month before the worker wishes to take leave.
As a general rule, it is supposed to be obtained once by the time the child turns 1 year old, but for men, if you get the first time and finish it within 8 weeks, you can get the second time if the conditions are met. A special case of split acquisition is allowed.
In addition, during childcare leave, when wages drop significantly, 67% of wages will be paid for the first 6 months and 50% of wages will be paid after 6 months.
In addition, you will be exempt from paying social insurance premiums.
However, according to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, the acquisition rate for men was only 7.48% last year, and the acquisition period tends to be short, with 80% being less than one month.
The government has set a target of 13% for men taking childcare leave by the end and 30% by five years, but it is still lower than that.
Reasons for not taking childcare leave include voices such as "the company does not have a childcare leave system in place", "I do not want to reduce my income", and "it was difficult for my workplace to take childcare leave". Some say that no one can take care of their work when they are busy or have a break.
Many SMEs are cautious about "mandatory"
Although companies are supposed to allow childcare leave at the request of workers, many small and medium-sized enterprises are cautious about "mandatory" acquisition.
From July to August, the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry conducted a survey of 6007 small and medium-sized enterprises nationwide, of which 48.9%, or 2939, responded.
When asked about initiatives related to the active participation of female employees, 81.5% answered that they were "promoting" and 12% answered that they were "not promoting".
When asked about the "mandatory" of taking childcare leave for male employees, 22.3% answered "disagree" and 48.6% answered "rather opposed", while more than 70% opposed "mandatory", while "agree". Was 6.7%, and "rather agree" was 20.6%.
The industry with the highest percentage of opposition to "mandatory" was the transportation industry at 81.5%, followed by the construction industry at 74.6%, and nursing / nursing at 74.5%. While the labor shortage was serious, it was possible to secure alternative personnel. It seems that there are some difficult things in the background.
Mr. Tomonori Sugisaki of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who conducted the survey, said, "Many small and medium-sized enterprises recognize the importance of an environment where they can balance work and childcare, but they are cautious about'mandatory'in a serious labor shortage. Many men take paid leave instead of childcare leave, and in order for men to take more childcare leave, it may be necessary to foster national momentum and policies for companies. Is it? "
Some companies have a 100% rate of taking childcare leave for male employees
Sakata Seisakusho, a building parts manufacturer located in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, has acquired all male employees who have requested childcare leave from an adult.
Three years ago, when I was consulted by a male employee to take childcare leave, the company has been working to create an environment that makes it easier to take childcare leave.
This company is working on "work sharing" in which each employee actively acquires work skills in multiple fields in order to reduce overtime, and it is said that even if there are vacancies in employees due to childcare leave, there is no problem. That is.
In addition, as a result of simulating and showing the amount of take-home pay that changes depending on the time and period of childcare leave, and making an early plan to be able to support even if there are vacancies due to childcare leave, 11 people who wanted to be from the adult. It means that all the male employees of the company were able to take childcare leave.
The longest leave period was 23 days.
Masafumi Ohira (29), who took childcare leave for 18 days five months after giving birth in June, said, "At first I was worried because I didn't understand the childcare leave system, but the company politely told me about the system. In addition, even if I was absent, other employees were able to cover my work, so I was able to take a rest with peace of mind. I am glad that I was able to take care of my child, which I usually cannot do. " I did.
As a general rule, the current childcare leave system allows employees to take up to one year of leave, so the company aims to create a system that will not hinder work even if male employees take one year off.
Takumi Sakata, president of Sakata Seisakusho, said, "In the future, we believe that the next theme is to create a follow-up system in case there are employees who want to take childcare leave for a longer period of time and to create an environment when they return to work. Childcare leave has been talked about, but it's a natural right, so I think we should let them take it freely. "