The labor shortage in the food and beverage industry is particularly acute among many other industries. Even if they increase the hourly wage of part-time workers, they are unable to attract applications, and many restaurants are forced to shorten their business hours because shifts cannot be filled. What is being introduced as a savior in these workplaces is the status of residence for the specific skill “restaurant industry.” We will thoroughly explain the benefits and procedures of this system, which allows international students to be hired as full-time permanent employees who play the core role of store operations without the restrictions on working hours that traditional part-time international students have.
目次
1. Detailed background and latest trends in Japan
The biggest advantage of hiring specific skills for the “restaurant industry” is that there is no working time limit of 28 hours a week. Since international students’ primary duty is studying, they are legally limited to working less than 28 hours a week, but foreigners with specified skills can work full-time shifts (40 hours a week + overtime, etc.) just like Japanese people. Furthermore, in addition to simple cooking assistance and dishwashing, employees are permitted to engage in a wide range of overall store management tasks, such as serving customers, serving tables, accounting at the cash register, store cleanliness, inventory management, and even staff shift management and hygiene management.
Important data and problem analysis that tell the truth
- First characteristic (rapid expansion of market needs and background): The labor shortage in Japan is a structural problem, and the demand for ready-to-work human resources is rapidly increasing, especially in the manufacturing and service industries. Data has proven that the specific skills system guarantees a certain level of work experience and Japanese language proficiency, so there are very few mismatches in the initial stages of introduction.
- Second feature (required language skills and educational system): To obtain a Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 visa, it is mandatory to pass a Japanese language proficiency test (N4 or JFT-Basic) at a daily conversation level or above, but additional Japanese language training on industry terminology and work safety is effective for smooth instruction transfer on site.
- Third feature (same or higher salary treatment and motivation): Japanese laws and regulations strictly prohibit creating discriminatory disparities in working conditions such as basic pay and bonuses compared to Japanese employees working in the same business within the same company. Having a fair evaluation system in place is the key to preventing employee turnover and boosting morale across the team.
2. Important institutional rules and legal compliance
In addition, foreigners with specific skills in the “restaurant industry” have passed a rigorous exam in advance. Specifically, in addition to the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT N4 or above, or JFT-Basic), we have passed a specialized practical skill evaluation test called the Food Service Industry Specified Skills Level 1 Measurement Test. This skill test covers basic knowledge of food hygiene, management systems based on HACCP concepts, the basics of cooking, and courteous customer service etiquette (Japanese honorifics, greetings, bowing etiquette, etc.), so we have talented people who have sufficient basic knowledge of restaurants at the time of recruitment. This greatly reduces the time and effort required to train Japanese hospitality etiquette and hygiene management from scratch.
Important check sheet to prevent problems from occurring
- [Check 1] Multilingualization of employment contract documents: When hiring, it is necessary to obtain the foreigner’s agreement by providing and explaining in advance a “terms of employment” that specifies the wage breakdown, holidays, overtime work rules, etc. in his or her native language, which the foreigner can fully understand.
- [Check 2] Ensure payment of social insurance and taxes: It is mandatory to enroll in social insurance and to deduct and pay resident tax and pension from your salary. If you are in arrears, your visa renewal application (usually every 1 or 3 years) will be rejected and you will not be able to continue working in Japan.
- [Check 3] Ensuring appropriate space in the living environment: The legal minimum area for the room in which a foreigner resides is 7.5 square meters or more (bedroom area) per person, and is subject to strict immigration screening.
3. Specific practical points and solutions
However, there are some points that accepting companies should be aware of. First of all, specified skills are not allowed to work at any establishments that fall under the “Entertainment Business Law” (cabaret clubs, host clubs, mahjong parlors, late-night snacks, etc.). In addition, in order to maintain the motivation of foreigners with specific skills, clarifying their career paths within the company (salary increases, positions, bonuses, etc.) is also the key to increasing retention rates. Specified skill visas, like Japanese people, have the freedom to change jobs, so there is a risk that you will be transferred to another restaurant if the working environment or human relations are poor, so please be sure to maintain a good working environment.
For detailed information and support plans for safely and effectively utilizing the Specified Skills System, please visit this page on our website.“Recruitment process”Please take a look at it and use it to create an appropriate plan.
4. Summary and future prospects
Recruitment of specific skills for the “restaurant industry” is not only a temporary solution to the labor shortage, but also a great opportunity to develop future store leaders and store manager candidates over the long term. There are many enthusiastic young people in Asia who strongly desire to learn Japanese hospitality techniques. Let’s prepare an appropriate support system and welcome global human resources who will be the next leading role in the store.