“Decrease in Jobs for People in Their 30s to 50s in Jeonnam” Pointed Out at Jeonnam Provincial Council

Jo Okhyun, Provincial Council Member, Urges Expansion of Jobs for the New Middle-aged and More

Jo Okhyun, a member of the Jeonnam Provincial Council (Democratic Party of Korea, Mokpo 2), called for countermeasures by pointing out the deterioration in the quality of employment in the Jeonnam region during the 387th temporary session's Job Investment and Attraction Bureau business report on the 6th.

According to data from the Honam Regional Statistics Office, the employment rate in Jeonnam dropped by 0.8 percentage points to 66.1%, with significant job losses among core age groups: 4,000 in their 30s (2.7%), 7,000 in their 40s (3.7%), and 6,000 in their 50s (2.4%).

Jo Okhyun Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Member

In particular, the number of workers employed less than 36 hours per week increased by 51,000, and the number of "ultra-short-term workers" who work only 1 to 14 hours per week rose by about 7,000, indicating a worsening in the quality of jobs.

Jo pointed out, "The regression in job quality in the Jeonnam region is an even greater issue than the employment rate itself," adding, "Workers employed less than 36 hours per week are classified as part-time, and compared to full-time workers, part-time workers generally face poorer wages and working conditions."

She further emphasized, "One out of every three jobs in Jeonnam is a part-time job," and "Since part-time workers face relatively poor wages and working conditions, more detailed policy measures are necessary."

She also pointed out the inadequacy of policies for jobs for the "new middle-aged" group. She explained that in the case of the 'Hope Job Incentive' program, only 60 people are eligible for employment incentives and only about 40 companies receive employment retention support, which, when divided among 22 cities and counties, amounts to just 2 to 3 people per region.

She continued, "Jobs for the new middle-aged are our jobs and the problems our friends are facing," urging, "Starting with the first survey on the status of new middle-aged jobs conducted this year, please do your utmost in establishing mid- and long-term plans."