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On October 15, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the First Follow-Up Meeting for the Work Style Reform at the Prime Minister’s Office.
 
At the meeting, a discussion was held on the Act on Arrangement of Relevant Act on Promoting the Work Style Reform and the progress of the Action Plan for the Realization of Work Style Reform.
 
Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,
 
“The work style reform is the greatest challenge in realizing a society in which all citizens are dynamically engaged, which is the Abe administration’s goal. In the previous ordinary session of the Diet, which we framed as a “Work Style Reform Diet,” we achieved our first major reforms in the 70 years since the enactment of the Labor Standards Act, including correcting the practice of working long hours and realizing equal pay for equal work, with the enactment of the Work Style Reform Bills.
 
The Government must work in unity towards the smooth implementation of the new system. Today, the experts here gave us valuable comments. For example, in response to the comment that the consultation services for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) should be further enhanced, we will work on strengthening the consultation function of the Work Style Reform Promotion and Assistance Centers that have been established in all prefectures. At the same time, we will also take measures in the areas that were pointed out, such as supporting employees in striking a balance between medical treatment and work, and promoting the employment of persons with disabilities, while firmly implementing the PDCA cycle in accordance with the Action Plan for the Realization of Work Style Reform.
 
Looking ahead to an era in which everyone can play an active role throughout their life, it is necessary for us to promote initiatives toward building a social security system oriented to all generations. To that end, we will advance employment reform towards such an era, including preparing the conditions for raising the age limit for continuous employment above 65, and significantly expanding mid-career recruitment, as the second stage of the work style reform.
 
Based on the views that we have received from the expert members today, I would like the relevant ministers to take steps to implement the relevant measures swiftly.”