
Human Resources and Social Security Minister Yin Weimin said yesterday
that China aims to create 9 million new jobs in urban districts next year.
Yin said China wants to keep the registered urban unemployment rate under 4.6
percent next year.
"The economic slowdown due to the financial crisis will add difficulties for
Chinese [seeking] employment. The job situation in China is grim, so effective
measures must be taken to help new graduates, migrant workers or other groups,
he said.
The urban unemployment rate in the past five years was below 4.3 percent, but
this year's target was set at 4.5 percent because of the severe employment
situation.
The government was trying to reduce the burdens of employers by such methods
as deferring payment of social security funds.
Unemployed migrant workers who return home are being encouraged to start
businesses. They will get credit extensions, tax breaks, business registration
and information consulting service, according to the country's central rural
work conference, which concluded on Sunday.
Ministry of Agriculture figures from 10 provinces and municipalities show
that about 7.8 million migrant laborers had returned home earlier than in
previous years for the Spring Festival.