Labor Ministry data cited by Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Won-i shows that 32,900 of 59,300 people who lost insured employment status in the petrochemical sector were confirmed to have found new jobs, a reemployment rate of 55.5%. The employment status of the remaining 26,400 people could not be confirmed.
Employment-insurance enrollment at nine major petrochemical companies fell by 4,358 people, or 13.8%, in the cited comparison, while petrochemical employment also declined in industrial areas including Yeosu, Seosan and Ulsan. The industry is seeking retention subsidies and retraining as the government prepares a comprehensive chemical-industry support plan.