Debate has begun on overhauling the "employment insurance for all" system by shifting the coverage criterion from "working hours" to "income." The Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) said on the 12th that it launched the Employment Insurance System Improvement Task Force (TF) at the Royal Hotel in Myeong-dong, Seoul.

Vice Minister Kwon Chang-jun of the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) launches the Employment Insurance System Improvement TF and chairs its first meeting to begin discussions on reforming the employment insurance system at the Seoul Royal Hotel on the 12th in the afternoon. /Courtesy of the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL)

The TF will be tasked with redesigning the employment insurance system, which marks its 30th anniversary this year. The TF consists of 10 members, including labor, management, experts, and a government official, with former Korea Labor Institute (KLI) President Hwang Deok-soon serving as Chairperson. They plan to discuss topics including ▲ expanding employment insurance coverage ▲ income-based overhaul ▲ improving the unemployment benefits system ▲ financial soundness of the fund ▲ and streamlining insurance administration.

The main topic of discussion is expected to be expanding the eligibility for employment insurance enrollment. Those who enroll in employment insurance can receive job-seeking benefits (unemployment benefits) during the period of preparing for reemployment when unemployed, and can receive childcare leave benefits and maternity leave benefits when giving birth. However, the current criterion for employment insurance enrollment is working at least the prescribed hours (15 hours per week, 60 hours per month) at a single workplace. As a result, ultra-short-term workers and people holding two or more jobs cannot enroll in employment insurance.

In response, the government seeks to change the enrollment criterion to an income basis rather than working hours. The labor ministry plans to present a comprehensive direction for overhauling the employment insurance system around June next year through TF discussions.

Vice Minister Kwon Chang-jun of the labor ministry said, "We must prepare for the future of employment insurance based on the understanding and cooperation of labor and management," and added, "Please make efforts so that employment insurance can protect more working people, more effectively."

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