Hanwha Group plans to convert 2,045 nonregular workers

For the first time among top-10 conglomerates in Korea, Hanwha Group will convert a large number of nonregular workers into regular ones.

A total of 2,045 nonregular workers across its hotel and resort, insurance and Galleria Department Store businesses will officially become part of the regular work force starting March 1, the group said in a statement yesterday.

By field, those working in service accounted for the largest portion of the conversions at 27 percent, followed by customer counseling at 24 percent and office work and sales.

Hanwha has also set up a policy of never hiring nonregular workers for the spots that will be filled by the converted regular workers.

Those becoming regular workers will be entitled to the same welfare benefits, job security and promotion opportunities as existing regular work force.

Bank of Korea reports decline in counterfeit bills during 2012

The number of counterfeit Korean banknotes fell 13.8 percent last year from a year earlier, the central bank said yesterday.

The number of counterfeit bills discovered in the country reached 8,626 last year, compared with 10,007 in 2011, according to the Bank of Korea.

The 50,000 won ($46.50) note, first issued in June 2009 is the highest denominated bill, followed by 10,000 won, 5,000 won and 1,000 won notes.

The number of fake 50,000 won bills nearly tripled to 329 last year, while counterfeit 10,000 won notes declined 10.6 percent to 3,783, the bank added. Yonhap