1.
non-renewal of a fixed-term employment contract; termination by not renewing
When an employer decides not to renew a temporary or fixed-term worker's contract at its expiration, effectively ending their employment. A significant labor issue in Japan, especially for non-regular workers.
Usage
A labor law term that became widely known during economic downturns, particularly the 2008 financial crisis. Unlike 解雇 (dismissal/firing), 雇い止め refers specifically to letting a contract expire without renewal — technically the employer is not "firing" the worker but simply not extending the contract.
Common collocations
- 雇い止めにあう (to have one's contract not renewed)
- 雇い止めを通告する (to notify of non-renewal)
- 不当な雇い止め (unfair/wrongful non-renewal)
- 雇い止め規制 (regulations on non-renewal)