Japan Press Weekly

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2015 May 13 - 19 [LABOR]

‘My Number’ system would deny people’s right to work

The “My Number” social security and tax identity system scheduled to be launched in January 2016 would cause a denial of people’s right to work, experts pointed out.

Under the “My Number” system, every person residing in Japan will be notified of his/her assigned 12-digit number. Companies will have to enter their employees’ ID numbers into official documents regarding wage payments, taxation, and social welfare services.

Certified tax accountant Numata Michitaka expressed his concern that this new ID system will cause a negative effect on workers engaged in day labor.

At present, day laborers use their mobile phone numbers to register with staffing service companies. This helps people, who need to prevent identification or address verification due to various reasons, such as domestic violence, to procure daily pay jobs to survive.

Numata said that these people will have difficulties in receiving or using their ID numbers and probably be excluded from the labor market despite their desire to work.

Ishimura Koji, Hakuoh University professor of tax law, also pointed out that people unwilling to provide their ID numbers would be denied their right to work and right to social service programs.

The professor said, “The government should consider providing an alternative to the use of ID numbers for people unwilling for personal reasons to use the ID numbers, like in Australia.”

In the current session of the Diet, while the ID number system has yet to begin, a bill to expand the use of ID numbers is on the floor.

Past related articles:
> Concerns over ‘My Number’ system increasing among SMEs [May 6, 2015]
> Gov’t should give up use of ‘My Number’ system infringing on people’s human rights [March 2, 2015]
> Gov’t aims to provide people’s personal data to security authorities [February 24, 2014]