Friday, December 19, 2008

The Prime Minister Visits an Employment Security Office "Hello Work Shibuya"

Prime Minister Taro Aso visited an employment security office "Hello Work Shibuya" in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo. First, he received explanations from a staff member about the progress of implementation of employment measures. Then, the Prime Minister observed the self-search corner for employment information, where visitors can search for jobs on personal computers. The Prime Minister tried the service, by operating a panel by himself. Afterwards, the Prime Minister inspected the special emergency counter for non-regular employees and others, and exchanged opinions with a man looking for a job.

Following the visit, Prime Minister Aso said, "The government has been carrying out what it can do to the extent possible. The question is whether the measures taken have been duly pervaded through the lower streams of the system. Actually visiting a functioning point, I have found that the local staff [at Hello Work] have firmly received the orders and addressed them with urgency. Moreover, in some regions, the staff are even ready to work through the end of the year when public offices are closed. I think things are moving in a positive direction."