Two out of Three Involuntarily Unemployed Workers Last Year Did Not Receive Unemployment Benefits

Unable to Receive Unemployment Benefits Due to 'Non-Enrollment in Employment Insurance'

On the 28th, amid the impact of the fourth wave of COVID-19, job seekers receiving unemployment benefits visited the Seoul Western Employment Welfare Plus Center in Mapo-gu, Seoul, where they are receiving consultations as the job market recovery falls short of expectations. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] A survey revealed that two out of three workers who involuntarily lost their jobs last year did not receive unemployment benefits.

On the 5th, the civic group 'Jikjang Gapjil 119' announced the results of a survey conducted from December 7 to 14 last year, targeting 1,000 office workers.

13.1% of respondents experienced involuntary job loss last year, and among them, only 32.8% said they received unemployment benefits.

The most common reason for not receiving unemployment benefits was non-enrollment in employment insurance, accounting for 42%.

Jikjang Gapjil 119 emphasized, "All workers who involuntarily lose their jobs should receive unemployment benefits, and all workers at every workplace should be enrolled in the four major social insurances," adding, "Measures such as penalizing workplaces that do not enroll in employment insurance are necessary."