Public Sector Mandatory Employment Rate for Persons with Disabilities Raised to 3.8% in 2024

Employment Disability Act Amendment under the Ministry of Employment and Labor Approved by the National Assembly Plenary Session

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] From next year, the mandatory employment rate for persons with disabilities in the public sector will be gradually increased. By 2024, 3.8% of the total workforce must be persons with disabilities. Currently, it is at about 3.4%.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced on the 29th that the partial amendment to the "Act on the Promotion of Employment and Vocational Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities" (Disability Employment Act), which includes this content, was approved at the National Assembly plenary session.

The amendment aims to raise the mandatory employment rate for persons with disabilities in the state, local governments, and public institutions to 3.6% in the next year and the year after, and 3.8% by 2024.

Support for disabled public officials' work will also be expanded. A legal basis has been established to allow support for work assistants, assistive technology devices, and equipment for disabled public officials through the Disability Employment Fund.

In addition, to strengthen disability awareness education in the workplace, businesses with 50 or more regular employees must submit the results of disability awareness education, and related materials must be compulsorily retained for three years.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor stated, "With this amendment, it is expected that the public sector will take the lead in expanding employment for persons with disabilities amid the prolonged employment crisis caused by COVID-19, creating an environment where they can have more stable professional lives."