Japan eyeing amendments to legislation to include students in workplace sexual harassment protections
Japan is reportedly planning to expand its measures against sexual harassment to also protect students who are applying for jobs.
A source told Kyodo News that the Health, Labour, and Welfare Ministry is considering making it mandatory for companies to take measures to prevent sexual harassment towards students searching for jobs.
This includes establishing rules for interviews between students and company officials, as well as creating an inquiry counter for harassment cases, according to the Kyodo News report.
The plan will likely introduce amendments to Japan's labour policy promotion law or the equal employment law, which only has measures in place to protect employees from workplace sexual harassment.
Details on the amendments will be finalised by an advisory body to the labour minister, according to the source. The government is targeting to file the bill during next year's ordinary Diet session.
Sexual harassment during job search
The move comes as the Labour Ministry recognises the seriousness of sexual harassment during the job-hunting process.
One survey revealed that around 30% of students have experienced sexual harassment while looking for jobs, with common cases including:
- Being asked sexual questions or teased during interviews
- Being persistently pressured to go out for a meal
According to Kyodo News, some other cases may have gone unreported as students fear that speaking out could negatively impact their job search.
