Part-time workers have become an important part of the labor force both in quantitative and qualitative terms. Their numbers are increasing year by year as is the length of their employment, and part-time workers can now be found in a wider range of sectors.
      The Ministry of Labour is promoting the following measures to support part-time work as an attractive and rewarding work option.

A.	Publicity measures on the Law Concerning the Improvement of Employment Management, etc. of Part-Time Workers and Guidelines

The Law Concerning the Improvement of Employment Management, etc. of Part-Time Workers (the Part-Time Work Law) was fully enforced as of April 1994 in order to promote the welfare of part-time workers. Based on the Law, the Guideline for Employers on Improving, etc. Employment Management of Part-time Workers was established. In order to further clarify actions to be taken by employers, the guideline was revised in February 1999 and entered into force since April of the same year.
      To ensure the Law and Guidelines take firm hold, group briefing sessions targeted primarily at small and medium enterprises are being conducted, while other publicity and promotional efforts are being taken whenever there is an opportunity. The Ten-Day Campaign on Part-Time Work (November 1-10) is set aside for intensive efforts in this regard.

B.	Assistance for employment management improvement, etc. for part-time workers by Japan Institute of Workers' Evolution

Services provided by Japan Institute of Workers' Evolution include provision of subsidies related to employment management improvement, etc. for part-time workers; provision of information and consultation concerning part-time workers; implementation of voluntary improvement of employment management for part-time workers and holding conferences for employers in each industry on utilization of the abilities of part-timers.