GMO Internet Introduces New Child Care Support Program

Tokyo –November 9, 2007 – GMO Internet supports working parents and strives to provide a working environment that reflects this value. On October 22 this year the company introduced major changes to its child support program.
Our corporate philosophy encourages all staff to aim for balance in their lives. The new system aims not only to protect our labor resource but also to improve employee skills and foster a positive work environment.
The new policy goes beyond the requirements set out by law. In addition to supporting our staff we are supporting working parents as part of a society with a declining birth rate.

	Details
Child Care Leave (expanded)	Available to employees (including part time staff) raising a child under one year and six months. Generally available until the day the child reaches one year and six months (may be extended to two years in special circumstances).
Reduced Working Hours (expanded)	Employees (including part time employees) raising a child under school age may reduce work hours by up to 4 hours (may be extended in special cases).

	Details
Nursing Leave (new)	If an immediate family member is sick or injured and requires care, an employee may take up to 10 days unpaid nursing leave (may be accumulated for up to one year).
Spousal Childbirth Leave (new)	Up to five days paid leave when a spouse gives birth (also available to part-time staff).
Leave for School Events (new)	Up to 5 days unpaid leave to attend school events while a child is at school (also available to part time staff /may be taken as half days).

		Details
Childbirth (increase)	Prior to Revision	￥10,000
	After Revision	1st Child: ￥50,000, 2nd Child: ￥100,000, 3rd Child onwards: ￥300,000
School Entry Allowance (new)	A one time payment of ￥50,000 when a child enters pre-school or kindergarten and again when they reach elementary school.