Innovative measures for implementing labour laws and role of labour administration: recent developments in Japan

Abstract

Labour administration has played a major role in the implementation of labour laws and policies. Traditional measures for such implementation include criminal punishment for violation of laws, administrative inspection, and providing subsidies for conduct that promotes policy goals. However, such traditional measures are often insufficient in the current socio-economic situation. Thus, it is necessary to consider new measures for implementing labour laws and policies more effectively. In view of the recent developments in Japan, the United States and the United Kingdom, it is worth considering several new measures, such as the introduction of ‘duty to provide’ measures, promotion of monitoring through information disclosure, enhancement of awareness of labour laws, encouragement of private dispute resolution to promote public interest, and the requirement and assistance of employers’ self-regulation, such as the introduction and implementation of action plans. The role of labour administration continues to be important regarding such new measures.