Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd. (Sumitomo Metals) has introduced summertime working hours at its head offices in Tokyo and Osaka beginning 1 June 2011, as a method to limit electricity consumption. From 1 June 2011 until 30 September 2011, the business day will start and end one hour earlier. In Osaka, this means that employees will work from 8:00-16:30 as opposed to 9:00-17:30. In Tokyo, employees will work from 8:10-16:40, instead of 9:10-17:40. Company-wide meetings that are scheduled to end after 16:30 will be suspended and head office buildings will close at 20:00; overtime work after 20:00 will be prohibited. A flexible time system will be available to employees who need special consideration as a result of childcare or elderly care requirements.
