Japan Press Weekly

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2014 May 21 - 27 [POLITICS]

State ministries and agencies employ record high personnel from private sector

Data released by the National Personnel Authority in February indicates that as of August 15, 2013, the number of staff employed by state ministries and agencies from the private sector reached a record high of 4,213, up by 46 from the previous year, calling into question administration neutrality.

The private sector includes not only private corporations but also professionals such as lawyers, certified accountants, professors, and charitable organizations.

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry hired the largest number, 406, followed by the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry’s 177, the Environment Ministry’s 157, and the Cabinet Secretariat’s 150.

Of the 4,213 staff, 3,153 are on fixed-term employment contracts while 1,060 are on open-ended contracts. The 3,153 fixed-term contract staff included 1,520 workers from 757 private companies, both increased by 160 and 66 respectively from a year earlier.

The Financial Services Agency hired 22 workers from three mega banks: 10 from Tokyo-Mitsubishi and six each from Sumitomo Mitsui and Mizuho. The agency assigned the 22 workers to the inspection bureau which examines the financial condition and business operations of private financial institutions. The agency’s securities and exchanges surveillance commission also received 27 workers from major securities companies, such as Mizuho Securities and Nikko Asset Management, as well as major banks.

The Cabinet Office, the Environment Ministry, and other government offices received a total of 29 personnel from six major nuclear power plant operators.

Recruiting staff from private companies by national government organizations which instruct and supervise those companies could damage the validity and reliability of administrative oversight and inspections into corporate activities.