South Korea trials sickness benefits for workers

The programme entails providing sick pay to workers who need to go on unpaid leave for injuries that occurred outside the workplace.
By: | July 5, 2022
Topics: Compensation and Benefits | Employee Experience | Health and Wellness | News | South Korea

South Korea has kickstarted a trial of sickness benefits for workers in six regions of the country, effective this Monday.

The areas are Seoul’s Jongno-gu; Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province; Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province; Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province; Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, and Suncheon, South Jeolla Province, reports The Korea Herald. 

Although each region will run slightly different variations of the programme, it entails tapping into the national welfare budget to provide sick pay to workers who need to go on unpaid leave for injuries that occurred outside the workplace.

Workers will be covered 43,968 won (US$34) daily for the days they cannot go to work due to a qualifying illness.

The programme will cover those who are employed from ages 15 to 64 who reside within the select regions and are subscribed to national employment insurance. It applies also to those who are self-employed, including artists and insurance planners. 

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The programme does not limit what types of injuries can qualify for the allowance. However, payouts are not available for cosmetic needs and those outside the scope of necessity.