Introduction
In this newsletter, we provide updates on recent amendments to Japan’s employment-related laws.
Amendments to the Childcare and Family-Care Leave Act
In June 2021, the Act on Childcare Leave, Caregiver Leave, and Other Measures for the Welfare of Workers Caring for Children or Other Family Members (Act No. 76 of May 15, 1991) (the “Childcare and Family-Care Leave Act”) was amended in order to encourage male employees to take paternity leave, to allow employees to take childcare leave in a more flexible manner, and to relax the requirements for fixed-term employees to take childcare and family-care leave. Certain amendments will come into force on April 1, 2022 and the remaining amendments will come into force on October 1, 2022 or April 1, 2023.
Amendments effective on April 1, 2022
Expansion of Scope of Fixed-Term Employees Who Are Eligible for Childcare and Family-Care Leave
The eligibility requirements for childcare and family-care leave with respect to fixed-term employees will be relaxed. Currently, only fixed term employees who have been continuously employed for one (1) year or more are eligible to take childcare and family-care leave. Under the amendments, the requirements regarding the length of service will be lifted. On or after April 1, 2022, (i) fixed-term employees, except for those for whom it is clear that their employment will be terminated before their child reaches 18 months old, will be eligible for childcare leave and (ii) fixed-term...
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