A law that requires companies to make efforts to secure employment opportunities so that they can continue working until the age of 70 will come into effect on April 1.
The number of working elderly people is increasing to about 9 million, and the challenge is to create an environment where people can work with peace of mind.
According to the Labor Force Survey of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the number of working elderly people aged 65 and over continues to increase, reaching 9.06 million last year, the highest number ever, accounting for 13.6% of all working people.
It is expected that the number of elderly people who will continue to work due to the declining birthrate and aging population and labor shortages will continue to increase.
Currently, companies are obliged to hire all those who wish to work until the age of 65, but the revised Elderly Persons Employment Stabilization Law requires companies to secure employment opportunities so that they can continue working until the age of 70. Will come into effect on April 1st.
Specifically, in addition to cases where a company employs ▽ abolition of retirement age, ▽ extension of retirement age until 70 years old, introduction of reemployment system, etc. ▽ conclude a business consignment contract with a person who starts a business or works as a freelancer , ▽ The company and employees will discuss and decide from the five work styles of enabling them to engage in social contribution projects such as NPOs.
Of these, the Labor Standards Law does not apply to business consignment contracts and social contribution projects, and it is expected that there will be cases where unemployment benefits for employment insurance are not paid.
For this reason, consent from a labor union, which is more than half of the workers, is required in advance.
In addition, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has formulated guidelines for companies and requires that they not lead to unstable working styles.
As the number of elderly people who continue to work is expected to increase in the future, the issue is how to create an environment where people can work with peace of mind.
"Forever while I can work" 36.7%
According to the "White Paper on Aging Society" published by the Cabinet Office last year, when asked how old people would like to work, ▽ "forever while working" was the highest at 36.7%. Most of them were ▽ "up to about 70 years old" at 23.4%, and ▽ "up to about 75 years old" at 19.3%.
A place where elderly people can work with peace of mind
Regarding the enforcement of the law that requires companies to make efforts to secure employment opportunities up to the age of 70, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare aims to enable elderly people who are willing to work to fully demonstrate their abilities.
The number of working elderly people aged 65 and over is expected to exceed 9 million last year and will continue to increase due to the declining birthrate and aging population.
With the declining birthrate and aging population, increasing the number of working elderly people will lead to an increase in the number of people who support social security such as employment insurance and pensions.
In addition, many companies are expected to hire veteran elderly people in order to pass on their experience and skills to younger employees.
On the other hand, there are some concerns.
In order to secure employment opportunities up to the age of 70, it is assumed that a business consignment contract will be concluded.
In such cases, the Labor Standards Law is not applied because the company and the elderly do not conclude an employment contract. ▽ Wages below the minimum wage do not violate the law. You may not be able to receive.
In addition, when elderly people aged 65 and over work, it is more necessary to prevent accidents and improve the work environment in consideration of health.
According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, 26.8% of those who died in an occupational accident or were injured for 4 days or more of leave in one year (2019) are increasing year by year.
It is said that many elderly people are highly motivated to work, and the issue is how to create an environment where they can continue working with peace of mind.
Expert "Environment where you can work safely"
Professor Masahiro Abe of Chuo University, who is familiar with employment issues, said, "In Central Japan, which is said to be the age of 100 years of life, the labor shortage will continue, so we will increase the opportunities for the elderly to work and allow people with motivation and ability to play an active role. Is important. It is good to increase the number of employment styles that suit the working styles of the elderly, such as self-employed and individual business owners. "
On the other hand, regarding business consignment contracts that do not conclude employment contracts, "The Labor Standards Law does not apply to the length of working hours and the number of days off, and the wages per hour are the minimum because they take on more work than they can. I think there is a possibility that it will be less than the wage. There may be cases where you are not protected as a worker, so you need to be careful. "
On top of that, it is important to discuss in advance with the company what kind of contract it is for a work style that does not have an employment contract, and whether the amount of work matches the work style that you are thinking of. Elderly people are young, such as weakened physical strength. There are aspects that differ from generations, so it is important to thoroughly discuss such matters and create an environment where employees can work safely. "