Japan Plans Employment Insurance Rate Increases, Covid Program Extension

Japan’s employment insurance contribution rates increased April 1 and are to increase again Oct. 1, the country’s labor ministry said.

Employer contribution rates increased April 1 so that total rates range from 0.95% to 1.25% depending on the employer’s industry, up from 0.9% to 1.2%, the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare said in a poster (Japanese) of contribution rates.

On Oct. 1, both employee and employer contribution rates are to increase so that totals range from 1.35% to 1.65%, the ministry said.

Additionally, the ministry’s program to subsidize required leave allowances for employers affected by Covid-19 is to run ...