A pilot project called ‘Injury Allowance’, which pays 60% of the minimum wage to allow people to rest if they are sick due to COVID-19, will be implemented for one year from the 4th of next month in some regions.
Lee Sang-min, the 2nd deputy head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters and Minister of the Interior and Safety, attended a major headquarters meeting today (15th) and said, "We plan to pay 60% of the minimum wage to those eligible for support in six pilot areas, including Jongno, Seoul during a difficult period in working activities. "He said.
Demonstration areas include Jongno in Seoul, Bucheon in Gyeonggi, Cheonan in Chungnam, Suncheon in Jeonnam, Pohang in North Gyeongsang, and Changwon in Gyeongnam.
According to a survey by the Institute for Health and Social Affairs in 2021, only about 46% of workers are using paid sick leave.
“It has become important to create social conditions where people can rest if they are sick,” Lee said.
(Photo = Yonhap News)