The Korean National Human Rights Commission recently voiced the need for reform in the calculation of jobseeker benefits for special employment types, which are perceived as significantly lower than those offered to regular employees. This statement was made following a complaint from a special employment type worker who argued that despite being subjected to similar work conditions as regular employees, they receive substantially lower benefits, which constitutes unfair discrimination based on their employment type.

The commission explained that the basis for calculating jobseeker benefits currently hinges on 'standard wage amounts', which should be adjusted to reflect changes in minimum wage and inflation rates. The disparities arise because while regular employees are assessed based on their average earnings over the last three months, special employment types are assessed on a larger timeframe of one year. This discrepancy leads to significant differences in the actual benefits received, which the commission recognized could undermine the economic security intended by these benefits.

Despite being unable to directly amend laws regarding minimum wage applications to these workers, the commission stressed the importance of addressing the stagnation of calculated standard wages amidst rising living costs. They expressed concern that the current system may not adequately support the livelihood of special employment type workers due to its outdated framework, thus failing to meet the needs of an evolving economic landscape.