Amid the spread of coronavirus infections and with the domestic and foreign situation becoming more exponential, Palsystem Consumers' Co-operative Union participated in the "Corona Disaster Emergency Action - Urgent discussion with cabinet ministries and agencies" which was held at the First Members' Office Building of the House of Representatives on April 16, 2020, with the aim to increase support for needy people and students. Participants included 20 Government officials from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, 3 officials from the Ministry of Education, 20 students from student organizations, and representatives from Palsystem. With the request to refrain from businesses by the Japanese government and local governments people who need help for a living have emerged and the participants of this meeting asked questions to the relevant ministries to provide prompt and easy-to-understand support measures for them.

 

In the discussion, organizations that provide employment consultation and housing support reported that the number of consultations from non-regular employees, internet cafe refugees, students, and persons with disabilities have been increasing rapidly. Also, there was a report that at some of the social welfare council counters, consulters were given heartless words such as "Go to consumer credit firm".  

In response, government officials explained the details of the current support system. However, the participants pointed out that "the systems are disorganized and it is difficult to grasp the overall picture," and requested improvements.

Mr.UTSUNOMIYA Kenji, former chairman of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations and the representative manager of the Anti-Poverty Network as a representative of the participating organizations, said, "The situation like '2008 The new year's eve village for temporary workers' should not reappear. The content of consultations brought to each consultation desk changes from moment to moment and it is expected to take time to resolve. Let's strengthen the support for those who are requesting help. "