Tokyo - The Japanese labour ministry on Monday announced it would provide shelters and food for about 500 people who lost their homes and jobs as a result of recent economic recession that led many Japanese businesses to downsize workforce.

The global financial turmoil affected mainly the Japanese manufacturing sector, and the number of temporary workers to be laid off by the end of March was expected to exceed 85,000, according to the ministry.

Since December 31, total of 1,500 jobless have passed through a Tokyo park, where 20 volunteer organizations set up tents and offered free food and job consultation over the New Year holiday.

As the number of the needy increased, the ministry agreed to open public gymnasiums to provide shelter for a week while setting up consultation services for employment and welfare assistance.

"This is a typical case of temporary works," said Momoyo Kamo of the Japan Community Union Federation, one of the organizing groups.

Temporary workers often draw short-term contracts, which could be less than three months, with accommodation. They lose their homes when they lose their jobs.

"Regardless of age, people are worried about tomorrow. They have to first secure a place to live before looking for work," Kamo said.

The ministry also said it would introduce about 4,000 jobs with accommodation in the Tokyo area, according to Kamo. But she is not certain whether these jobs are "reliable, secure jobs."

The mass layoffs of temporary workers in Japan began around the fall of last year, when the manufacturing sector reduced output due to slowing exports. Toyota Motor Corp has decided to cut about 6,000 temps.

The downsizing has also spread to full-time employees, in the meantime. Sony, for instance, plans to dismiss 8,000 full-time employees in and outside Japan.

"The current situation is a disaster," Shuichiro Sekine of Haken Union said. "People have the right to live peacefully, but it is being violated."

One 28-year-old man lost his job at the end of September when the electronic parts factory where he worked began downsizing.

At a local employment agency, the waiting list was too long to talk to anyone in a day, he said. But at the Tokyo park he was able to reach a lawyer to discuss further job and life options.

"Now I see a little hope," he said, adding that he was glad to find such free services available in Tokyo. "It is a life-or-death situation for us."

Volunteer groups plan to request the government assistance in spreading the service nationwide, Kamo said. (dpa)