Breaking through the “income barrier”

May 17 , 2023

Komeito’s “income barrier” team held a hearing to share insights with various industry representatives on May 16Komeito’s “income barrier” team held a hearing to share insights with various industry representatives on May 16

On May 16, a Komeito team on the so-called “income barrier” issue held a hearing, inviting representatives from the Japan Supermarkets Association, Japan Chain Stores Association and Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The barrier—which, once crossed, forces parttime workers to pay social security premiums and income taxes—has discouraged a large pool of people from working longer hours at a time when various companies are in desperate need for extra help. The party’s team leader, House of Councilor member Makoto Nishida, said Komeito will begin to examine ways to address the barrier to improve the crippling labor shortage.