Japan reduces employment
Friday, 12 December 2008
TOKYO, Dec 11 (AFP): More than a third of Japanese companies have laid off workers or taken other steps to reduce labour costs over the past three months to cope with the economic crisis, a survey showed.
Some 35 per cent of companies have, among other measures, fired temporary staff, relocated workers or cut back on overtime, according to a poll of 5,201 firms by the Japanese Trade Union Confederation, or Rengo.
Manufacturers have been particularly active in reducing labour costs, with 48.3 per cent taking such steps.
Rengo forecasts more companies will streamline their employment over the next three months, with nearly 40 per cent of manufacturers expecting to lay off more temporary workers.
Many Japanese companies, including leading automakers and electronic giant Sony, have announced a series of layoffs as Asia's largest economy stumbles through its first recession in seven years.
Some 35 per cent of companies have, among other measures, fired temporary staff, relocated workers or cut back on overtime, according to a poll of 5,201 firms by the Japanese Trade Union Confederation, or Rengo.
Manufacturers have been particularly active in reducing labour costs, with 48.3 per cent taking such steps.
Rengo forecasts more companies will streamline their employment over the next three months, with nearly 40 per cent of manufacturers expecting to lay off more temporary workers.
Many Japanese companies, including leading automakers and electronic giant Sony, have announced a series of layoffs as Asia's largest economy stumbles through its first recession in seven years.