This article was posted on ChosunBiz RM Report site on April 29, 2025, at 10:35 a.m.
The government has expanded the 'reemployment support service', which was previously available only to workers over 50, to include those over 40, as reported on the 29th. This aims to facilitate the preparatory process for job changes, relocations, and startups with the assistance of existing workplaces.
According to the government on this day, the Ministry of Employment and Labor has been implementing a revised notice, effective since the 23rd, to widen the age range for the reemployment support service to those over 40. The notice is a subordinate regulation that specifies detailed contents for the enforcement of laws.
The reemployment support service is a system established based on the Elderly Employment Act. Until now, large corporations with more than 1,000 employees were required to provide reemployment support services to employees over 50. The age range for service provision is determined by the notice from the Ministry of Employment and Labor, not by law.
This revised notice includes provisions recommending that large corporations with more than 1,000 employees provide reemployment support services to employees aged 40 and above but under 50.
The revised notice also includes provisions to increase the number of times reemployment support services are provided. Until now, individuals could only receive the reemployment support service once before retirement. Moving forward, individuals will be able to receive support periodically, such as 'once in their 40s, once in their 50s, and once just before retirement.' This will provide opportunities to review their career and plan for the future at regular intervals.
A Ministry of Employment and Labor official noted, 'Many mid-aged job seekers who took early retirement experienced sudden departures without preparation and stated that the reemployment process takes a very long time.' They added, 'We aim to assist individuals starting in their 40s to review their careers and replan their pathways.'
Increasing the targets and frequency of reemployment support services will increase the expense burden on corporations. Accordingly, the government decided to support 40% of the related expenses for business sites with more than 1,000 employees, and 60% for those with fewer than 1,000 employees.
The reemployment support service has faced criticism for not being operated properly. It has been determined that only 623 out of 1,001 target corporations (59.8%) are providing reemployment support services. The lack of penalties for corporations that do not provide these services, only receiving guidance and supervision from the Ministry of Employment and Labor, is cited as a reason.