"スキマバイトのキャンセル、厚労省「休業手当が必要」," 4 July 2025

[Unofficial description by Business & Human Rights Resource Centre]

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) has announced that in the case of so-called “spot work” — short-term jobs done in workers’ spare time — employers are required to pay leave allowances if they cancel shifts for their own reasons.
The Ministry stated that it has received consultations regarding problems such as unpaid wages related to spot work, and has asked industry associations and economic organisations to raise awareness by distributing informational leaflets outlining key points to note.
The MHLW also clarified that it is inappropriate to cancel jobs at the last minute without workers’ consent, and that wages must be paid if workers are required to be on standby.