The Labor Ministry says the government and state-run institutions will raise their mandatory quota of disabled workers from the present 2 percent to 3 percent. The announcement came at a Cabinet meeting Tuesday.

At present, only 1.6 percent of all workers in the government are disabled and a little less than 2 percent at state-run institutions. There are 87 government branch offices and 250 public institutions in Korea.

The increased quota is the latest move by the Lee Myung-bak administration, which favors creating job opportunities rather than strengthening welfare programs. An increase in the number of public institutions has also raised demand for more workers.

Labor Minister Lee Young-hee says employment is the best public welfare program for the disabled who are capable of working. In addition to employment, the ministry also plans to negotiate with educational institutions to encourage disabled persons to enroll at schools.

Arirang News