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On May 22, 2020, the Prime Minister held the seventh planning meeting on a social security system oriented to all generations at the Prime Minister’s Office.

At the meeting, the participants held a discussion on the results of a survey of freelancers and the policy direction, as well as new social security issues in light of the spread of infections of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,

“Today, we held discussions on the policy direction for freelancers, and new social security issues in light of the novel coronavirus disease.

Regarding freelancers, we held a discussion on the policy direction based on the results of a survey conducted by the Cabinet Secretariat, in collaboration with the relevant ministries and agencies, to understand the circumstances of freelancers in an integrated manner. With respect to freelancing, it is essential to expand it appropriately; to this end, it is important to establish rules. We intend to create effective guidelines and systems on the relevant matters such as exchanging contracts and preventing unilateral changes to business terms. I ask Minister Nishimura to proceed with detailed considerations on these matters towards July, with cooperation from the relevant ministers.

With respect to emerging issues facing our social security system, we will promote support for outdoor programs among others, in response to the decline of opportunities for exercise or social interaction due to the spread of infections. We will also promote support for the introduction of tablets and Wi-Fi at care facilities and other institutions, in order to encourage the use of contactless services such as online meetings and exercise apps. Furthermore, we will advance discussions on social security reforms, such as strengthening the structures to watch children and providing mental care services over the phone or social network services (SNS), taking into account its increasing importance as a safety net.

Today, we held the first planning meeting on a social security system oriented to all generations since February. In light of the spread of novel coronavirus infections, we would like to have the second interim report this July and compile the final report at the end of this year. I would like to ask the members of this meeting for your continued cooperation.”