context: Migrant workers and uni graduates are recognised as the two groups hardest hit by post-COVID-19 unemployment. Many channels to employment have been outlined for the former, including mobilisation of the state sector, expanding on-the-job training schemes and promoting flexible employment. But new policies are still needed to help them find stable jobs.
MoHRSS (Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security) and 14 other agencies issued ‘Opinions on employment and entrepreneurship of migrant workers’ on 8 Aug 2020. The Opinions call for
- broadening channels for employment
- implementing subsidies to stabilise existing jobs
- creating more job opportunities
- supporting multi-channel flexible employment
- spurring local employment
- developing rural industries
- promoting large construction projects
- supporting returning migrant worker entrepreneurs
- strengthening fair jobs services and rights guarantees
- improving employment services
- bettering skills training
- protecting labour rights
- guaranteeing livelihoods
- prioritising employment of impoverished persons
- maintaining their entry into the workforce
- expanding local jobs for this group
- focusing efforts in key impoverished or epidemic-affected areas
Li Zhong 李忠 MoHRSS vice minister stressed that migrant workers are a key target of employment policies, National Business Daily reports. The migrant workforce is now back to 97.3 percent of levels in the same period last year, Li noted. Migrant worker employment is still under pressure, however, as they still lack job stability; some have even had to return once again to their hometowns, he admitted. A key method for absorbing migrant workers is through flexible employment.