S-Pool Inc. (2471: TYO), a Tokyo-based staffing provider, issued a statement in response to reports in the Kyodo News and other newspapers criticizing farming operations run by its S-Pool Plus division to provide employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

The rental farms employ people with disabilities on behalf of companies that wish to recruit them. S-Pool said the media reports presented a one-sided view opposing its services:

“‘Most of the companies’ core business is unrelated to agriculture,’” S-Pool quoted the media reports as saying. “’They began growing crops for the purpose of employing people with disabilities. In many cases, the harvested crops are distributed free of charge to employees. While not illegal, this can hardly be regarded as employment or labour in the true sense of the word. Rather, the purpose appears to be to satisfy legal requirements to employ those with disabilities.’”

S-Pool reported it understands the various opinions. “However, this particular report is based on the biased opinions of the publishing media outlets and diverge significantly from reality of our business,” the company said. “The report all but disregards the comments of any of those actually involved, including farm employees and their families, the companies that use these services, or the government representatives who have advocated for the farms.”

S-Pool noted that agriculture is a highly compatible field of work for people with intellectual disabilities.

“S-Pool Plus operates farms with the goal of creating rewarding and worthwhile workplaces for employees,” according to S-Pool. “Meanwhile, many companies are looking for ways to realize the employment of those with disabilities. S-Pool Plus’s business is to rent out farms to those companies, supporting them to take the initiative in the employment by operating the farms as their own organisation.”

The full response is online.