English version - Fit for Work Europe

MSDs and government
The Japanese welfare system provides two main sources of benefit for those unable to work
because of sickness or disability. Those registered with a permanent disability can claim a
monthly disability pension either through the national pension scheme or, for those who have
previously been in employment, through the Employee Pension Insurance Scheme. In both
cases, the amount received is dependent on the severity of the disability. National health
insurance schemes, which cover all citizens, provide short-term sickness benefits at 60 per cent
of monthly salary for those temporarily unable to work (up to 18 months). Although welfare and
labour issues both fall under the remit of the MHLW, there is little cooperation between internal
departments to move people off benefits and back into work. 14 As a result, disability benefits are
a major contributor to the rising social security costs in Japan.
In light of concerns over the ability of the workforce to meet the social security burden, specific
measures to encourage and support people with disabilities to rejoin the workforce have been
implemented. The Services and Support for Persons with Disabilities Act of 2006 provided
extra support from the public employment bureau, ‘Hello Work,’ which liaises with employers to
provide suitable employment opportunities for people with disabilities. 15 A mandatory quota for
the employment of disabled people is set at 1.8 per cent for companies with over 50 employees,
with financial rewards for those employers exceeding this quota and penalties for those who
fail to meet it. The employment rate for people with disabilities has increased steadily since the
introduction of the measures and currently stands at a peak of 1.68 per cent (see Figure 4.1).
However, it should be noted that the mandatory quota is only currently met by 45.5 per cent
of companies (Japan Organisation for Employment of the Elderly and Persons with Disability
(JEED), 2011) and those who are employed report a range of concerns about the level of
support provided to allow them to continue in their positions (MHLW, 2008b). In addition, the
level of employment of people with disabilities in meaningful jobs remains very low. 16
Similarly, the government has also taken steps to encourage continued participation of older
people in the workforce, aiming for a labour force participation rate of 63 per cent for people
aged 60-64 by 2020 (JILPT, 2012). As MSDs are more prevalent in older people, efforts will
need to be made to ensure these people can remain in work.
14 Expert interview
15 More information on support for disabled people can be found at http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/wp/wp-hw4/dl/
honbun/2_2_9.pdf
16 Expert interview
Fit For Work? Musculoskeletal Disorders and the Japanese Labour Market 33