As a special measure responding to the economic conditions following the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake, special provisions for the Industrial Employment Stability Subsidy have been announced. The subsidy covers part of the wages paid during employee transfers for businesses seeking to maintain employment through such transfers. The eligible period is from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2027.
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has announced special measures under the Industrial Employment Stability Subsidy for businesses forced to reduce their business activity for economic reasons resulting from the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake. The program aims to support employment retention at affected businesses by encouraging the continuation of employment through employee transfers.
The sending companies are businesses in Kumamoto Prefecture that were forced to temporarily reduce their business activity because of the earthquake. The receiving companies are businesses nationwide that accepted transferred employees. A contract, labor-management agreement and consent are required before the transfer can be implemented.
The subsidy rate is 4/5 of wages for SMEs and 2/3 for businesses other than SMEs. The subsidy covers wages paid during employee transfers carried out from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2027.
The stated process for receiving the subsidy is to sign a contract with the receiving company and a labor-management agreement, submit an employee transfer plan, implement the transfer, and then apply for and receive the subsidy. The earthquake occurred on 28 July 2026. The measures are intended to support business continuity and employment retention at affected businesses.