The Shog-A.I. Shimbun Podcast #24: Workers with Disabilities Told Only “Coming to the farm is your job”

By Barrier Free Japan

May 4 2024

CHIBA – As the employment rate for people with disabilities was raised last month, the number of businesses providing work opportunities to people with disabilities on behalf of companies is expanding.

While these programs have helped to secure employment opportunities for people with disabilities, there have been cases where they have not led to the growth or independence of those with disabilities. As a result, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare is instructing companies not to use these programs carelessly with the sole aim of achieving the employment rate.

“The work was far from professional agriculture, and most of the time was spent on breaks. If there was a harvest, I would do it, but there were days when I just watered the crop. In those cases, it only took about 30 minutes, and I had five or six hours of free time. Some people were on their cell phones or listening to music, and had a lot of free time. They told me that ‘coming to the farm is your job.’ ”

“Compared to the employment support facility, my salary was several tens of thousands of yen higher, but it didn’t lead to my personal growth or career advancement. I was harassed by the management staff, and in the end, I had to quit after six months.”

Episode Notes:

‘ “Coming to the farm is your job”: Workers with Disabilities in Japan Harassed, Given Little Work to Make Up Employment Numbers’: 

“Coming to the farm is your job”: Workers with Disabilities in Japan Harassed, Given Little Work to Make Up Employment Numbers

‘Hokkaido ranch operator in abuse suit admits to paying disabled workers in snacks, juice’ (March 14 2024): 

Hokkaido ranch operator in abuse suit admits to paying disabled workers in snacks, juice