Korea plans to give some living expenses to employees for up to six months if their troubled employers opt for unpaid leave or temporary shutdown of their businesses instead of layoffs, an official said Thursday.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced the draft revision of the Employment Insurance Law and plans to gather opinions of individuals and experts until June 15.

Under the proposed revision, the eligible workers can receive up to 7.2 million won ($6,100) from the government for up to 180 days, the ministry official said.

A government committee composed of ministry officials and outside experts will screen employers whether they will meet the standards for the government's financial support to their employees, she said.

The troubled employers need to ensure they will retain their payrolls after six months of unpaid leave, said the official who spoke condition of anonymity, citing office policy.

She also said the employers need to show how they plan to put their troubled businesses back on track, according to the ministry official.

The official added that the revision is expected to receive parliamentary endorsement later this year before being carried out next year.
Last year, 49 South Koreans fired a total of 2,177 workers due to economic difficulties, according to the ministry. (Yonhap)