[Influenza: Part-time/Arubaito] Will Taking Leave Be “Unpaid”? The Two Major Compensation Systems to Protect Your Salary — 2/3 of Salary via Sickness and Injury Allowance if Zero Paid Leave Remains! Social Insurance Membership is Key

When contracting the flu, the biggest concern for part-time and arubaito (non-regular employees) is that “they won’t get paid for the days missed (unpaid/absence status).” Unlike regular employees, they often lack company-specific special leave, making this a serious issue directly impacting their livelihood.

However, as of 2025, there are two clear and significant “Compensation Systems to Protect Your Salary” available even to non-regular employees.

Treatment and Countermeasures for Part-time/Arubaito Absence Due to Flu (2025 Latest)

If infected with the flu, the absence of part-time/arubaito workers is fundamentally treated as “absence from work,”similar to regular employees, but the principle is generally no pay (No Work, No Pay). However, they can use remaining paid annual leave, and if enrolled in social insurance, they can receive compensation through the Sickness and Injury Allowance. As of 2025, the employment type is irrelevant; the schemes apply to those who meet the enrollment criteria. (Based on MHLW and Kyōkai Kenpo standards).

Absence Treatment Chart (Specific to Part-time/Arubaito)

Estimated Days Off: 5 days since onset + 2 days since fever subsided (Total 7 days). Many companies apply the school standard for part-time/arubaito as well. For restaurants/retail, the standard is 4-6 days due to strict infection control.

Sickness and Injury Allowance Conditions (OK for Part-time/Arubaito! 2025)

You are eligible if you are enrolled in Social Insurance (Health Insurance and Employee Pension Insurance). Enrollment criteria: Working ≥20 hours/week, monthly salary ≥¥88,000, and continuously employed for ≥2 months(guideline). National Health Insurance is NOT eligible.

Note for Dependent Part-timers: Receiving the Sickness and Injury Allowance may cause you to lose dependent status (the annual income threshold is ¥1.3 million). However, if the daily amount is below the standard threshold, dependency may continue (check with Kyōkai Kenpo).

What to Do? (Step-by-Step Countermeasures)

1. Immediate Contact: Call the manager/shift supervisor immediately after diagnosis. “I tested positive for the flu and will be off for 5 days since onset + 2 days since fever subsided. I will send the medical certificate.” Follow up with a memo if absent.
2. Check Paid Leave: If paid leave remains, apply immediately (company refusal is not allowed). If zero, proceed to absence + Sickness and Injury Allowance.
3. Obtain Medical Certificate: Get a medical certificate with the “doctor’s opinion” from the hospital (¥500 ∼¥1,000). Essential for proving work suspension.
4. Apply for Sickness and Injury Allowance: Request the “Application Form for Sickness and Injury Allowance” from the company → Doctor fills out the opinion → Company certifies it → Mail to Kyōkai Kenpo. Payment starts from the 4th day (can be retroactive).
5. If Company Won’t Grant Leave: Cite IDCL Article 18 + consult the Labor Standards Office (one phone call will trigger guidance). Restaurants can be compelled by the Food Sanitation Act.
6. Shift Adjustment: Confirm “mask use + negative antigen test” before returning. Apologize to the store/restaurant to minimize inconvenience.

Summary

Unpaid absence is the principle for part-time/arubaito, but 80% coverage is possible through Paid Leave OR Sickness and Injury Allowance! Be cautious if you are not enrolled in social insurance (no compensation if only National Health Insurance). Confirm your enrollment status now + get a flu shot by the end of November to eliminate this worry!

At-Home Testing Kit Ranking (Combined COVID-19 and Influenza)

Here is the English translation of the ranking table for at-home diagnostic kits that test for both COVID-19 and Influenza A/B: