The Gwangju Employers Federation announced on the 4th that it will implement the "Gwangju Region Root Industry Recruitment Improvement Project" to address the labor shortage faced by small and medium-sized enterprises, which form the backbone of the local manufacturing sector.
This project, carried out as part of the "Regional Plus Job Project," is a key initiative promoted by Gwangju City and overseen by the Ministry of Employment and Labor. While linked to existing central government job programs, it additionally (PLUS) expands the scope, level, and content of industry-specific support to create jobs in key industries and revitalize the local economy as a comprehensive support measure.
The main components of the project include: ▲ "Job Leap Incentive," which supports personnel expenses for new hires; ▲ "Job Settlement Support Fund," which encourages long-term employment; ▲ "Shared Facility Improvement," which enhances workplace environment and welfare facilities; ▲ "Housing Cost (Monthly Rent) Support," which provides stable living conditions; and ▲ "Health Checkup Expense Support," which promotes employee health. In total, there are five detailed sub-projects.
Among these, the Job Leap Incentive provides up to KRW 600,000 per month for up to six months (a total of KRW 3.6 million) to root industry companies that newly hire regular employees aged between 35 and 49. The Job Settlement Support Fund offers KRW 1 million each (up to KRW 2 million) to employees aged 18 to 49 who remain employed for 3 and 6 months, respectively.
In addition, the "Shared Facility Improvement" program provides up to KRW 9 million per company (with at least 10% self-funding), allowing for the enhancement of employee welfare facilities such as dormitories, lounges, restrooms, and showers.
Furthermore, the Housing Cost (Monthly Rent) Support offers up to KRW 300,000 per month for up to six months (a total limit of KRW 1.8 million), and the Health Checkup Expense Support reimburses up to KRW 300,000 per person, both of which are expected to receive a positive response from both companies and employees.
Yang Jinseok, Chairman of the Gwangju Employers Federation, stated, "This project will provide practical recruitment and operational benefits to root industry companies struggling with labor shortages, and stable jobs and welfare benefits to employees, making a significant contribution to revitalizing the local economy."
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