Job centers test comprehensive support

Job placement centers across Japan conducted a trial run on Monday of a comprehensive assistance service for people out of work.

77 job centers in 17 prefectures, including Tokyo and Osaka, offered the trial service along with their regular job-finding services.

At a center in Tokyo's Bunkyo Ward, ward officials, welfare workers and lawyers joined the center's staff in offering advice to visitors.

A 62-year-old man who has been living in an Internet cafe received advice on how to find a new job and on how to apply for housing support.

He said he is grateful to be able to get advice on a variety of issues in one place.

Deputy Prime Minister Naoto Kan visited another such center in Tokyo and was briefed about decreasing multiple debts and other matters by lawyers and local officials.

Kan later told reporters that the government will do all it can to prevent people from losing both their jobs and their homes at a time when people are preparing for the new year.

Based on the results of Monday's trial, a government task force will discuss when to introduce the one-stop support service for the jobless.
2009/11/30 14:39(JST)