The labor ministry has decided to expand the scope of its youth job support initiative to cover people up to age 50 to cope with an increase in middle-aged people out of work, according to informed sources. Currently, the ministry provides people not in school and aged less than 40 with comprehensive employment support, including consultations, work experience programs and job interview training at 177 support stations nationwide.

According to the sources, all support stations, which are operated by nonprofit organizations and other parties commissioned by the ministry, will offer advice to jobless people up to around 50 years old starting next April. The ministry will also set up 12 “one-stop” support stations that will also help needy people make a living and find a place to live. For middle-aged people who are not trying to find a job, the ministry plans to have support station staff members visit and encourage them to look for work, in cooperation with local welfare offices, and social workers.

The sources also said clinical psychotherapists and experienced social case workers will be positioned at support stations taking care of the needy because these people may have psychological problems, including loss of confidence. For those who move forward to seek employment, the ministry will cooperate with HelloWork public job placement offices and businesses across the country to provide a variety of work opportunities, such as jobs with reduced working hours, hoping that they will eventually win regular jobs, the sources said.