Workers treated unfairly after maternity leave

A Japanese government survey shows that there are a growing number of cases where workers are being treated unfairly for taking childcare leave.

Japanese labor laws prohibit companies from dismissing or demoting workers simply for taking childcare leave.

However, a labor ministry survey reveals that there were 848 such complaints at labor bureaus throughout the nation from April to September 2009.

The number of such complaints increased by 336 from the same period a year earlier.

From April to September last year, 1,081 workers claimed that they were treated unfairly at work because of pregnancy or childbirth. That is 103 more cases than during the same period in 2008.

The labor ministry says it suspects the increase in unfair treatment complaints is likely due to the recent economic downturn.

The ministry says it will also provide guidance to companies to help them improve working conditions for staff with children.