Seoul Moves to Block Reintroduction of Rights-Centered Jobs for Persons with Disabilities; Requests Reconsideration of Ordinance

[Financial News] Seoul Metropolitan Government has moved to block an ordinance institutionalizing the rights-centered public employment program, which recognizes activities such as rights advocacy for people with severe disabilities as job duties. It cited concerns that the scope of duties is unclear and that requiring the expansion and support of a specific employment program could limit the mayor's authority over budgeting and implementation. Seoul Metropolitan Government said on October 1 that it had requested reconsideration by Seoul Metropolitan Council on September 30 of the partial amendment to the Seoul Metropolitan Government Ordinance on the Promotion of Employment and Support for Vocational Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities.
The amendment defines the rights-centered public employment program and requires the development, provision and expansion of related jobs to be included in Seoul's implementation plans. It also calls for linking the program with independent living support centers for persons with disabilities and lifelong education facilities for persons with disabilities to support people with severe disabilities who are not economically active or are not covered by the minimum wage. The amendment was proposed on August 10 and passed the Seoul Metropolitan Council's plenary session on September 11.
Seoul Metropolitan Government first pointed out that the scope of duties under the rights-centered public employment program is unclear. The amendment identifies disability awareness improvement, culture and the arts, and rights advocacy activities as job duties, but does not specify the detailed scope or criteria for determining rights advocacy activities. As a result, the city said disputes could arise over the extent to which activities such as campaigns or participation in rallies may be recognized as duties under a public employment program.
The city also cited the concentration of duties in certain activities under the previous program. According to an operational survey conducted by Seoul Metropolitan Government in 2023, activities related to rallies, demonstrations and campaigns accounted for 50.4% of all job activities performed by participants in the rights-centered customized public employment program for people with severe disabilities from 2020 to 2022.
The city also raised concerns about making the expansion and support of a specific program mandatory by ordinance. The amendment requires the expansion of the rights-centered public employment program to be included in implementation plans and stipulates that linked support for people with severe disabilities "must be provided." Seoul Metropolitan Government argued that these provisions could restrict the mayor's discretion in budgeting and implementing programs, including the authority to determine their scale and format based on the employment environment and program performance.
Since 2024, Seoul Metropolitan Government has operated 20-hour-per-week customized specialized jobs instead of the previous program. The approach provides jobs that take into account the characteristics of different disabilities while strengthening links to employment in the private sector.
Jung Jin-woo, head of Seoul Metropolitan Government's Welfare Office, said, "Seoul Metropolitan Government has continuously supported employment and independent living for people with severe disabilities." He added, "We ask the Seoul Metropolitan Council to review once again the issues surrounding job criteria, the way the program is implemented, and budgeting and implementation authority so that public employment programs can provide tangible benefits to participants and operate with the trust of citizens."

[email protected] Seong Cho-rong Reporter