In an effort to improve the working environment for freelancers, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare will give necessary consideration to companies that order work from freelancers, such as switching to online work so that they can balance work with childcare or nursing care. We have decided on a policy that requires this.
A review committee of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare announced on the 28th that a law protecting freelancers who are not affiliated with a company is expected to go into effect by autumn this year, as they are in a weaker position and are more likely to be subject to harassment. We established the policy based on the draft of the book.
According to the law, companies that outsource work to freelancers will be required to take necessary precautions, such as switching work online and delaying delivery dates, so that they can balance work with childbirth, childcare, or nursing care.
Additionally, in principle, 30 days' notice is required when canceling a contract, and this only applies to cases where work is outsourced to a freelancer for more than six months.
Furthermore, it requires companies to set up a harassment consultation desk and prohibits any disadvantageous treatment due to consultation.
The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare will collect opinions on the proposal presented on the 28th and then issue a government ordinance, with the hope of improving the working environment for freelancers.