Notes on hiring workers in Japan

When hiring workers, companies enter into labor contracts with each worker. At that time, the employer must notify the employees in writing of the following employment conditions. Any part of a labor contract that does not meet the standards laid down by law is invalid. For example, a contract containing provisions such as “the company may dismiss the worker at any time for any reason,” “the basic wage shall include all overtime pay,” and “social insurance fees shall be borne entirely by the worker” (in the case of a business establishment covered by social insurance) is invalid insofar as these provisions are concerned. It is also illegal to impose a penalty for non-fulfillment of a labor contract. For example, it is illegal to include a clause such as the following: “If a worker retires within two years of joining the company, he/she must pay to the company the sum of 500,000 yen.” However, this does not preclude an employer from claiming damages from a worker for losses actually incurred. Labor contracts generally do not stipulate a term. Where a term is specified, however, it must be no longer than three years except in a few special cases. However, a worker may resign by notifying his/her employer at any time as long as at least one year has elapsed since the date of the start of the contract term.