Wendy Zhang/ Shanghai Daily news  

A housekeeping service company sought to recruit domestic helpers at East China Normal University yesterday, to cover shortages over the upcoming Spring Festival holiday, but attracted only one applicant. However, the university suspended the recruitment-drive after only half an hour.
Laibang Housekeeping Service Company started to recruit domestic helpers at a dining room in East China Normal University at 9 o'clock yesterday morning, only attracting several bystanders out of curiosity. By ten, Cai, a Shanghai girl, came forward to apply.
"It is reported that Shanghai has been short of ayis every year, and I have asked my parents whether I can do a part-time job as an ayi. My parents are not against it," Cai explained. Compared with ordinary ayis who focus more on housekeeping, university students will pay more attention to the education of children, she stressed, adding that she is free in the winter vacation and it is good to take the opportunity to practice her skills.
"I have tutored and I believe I am qualified for housekeeping services," she said with confidence. However, due to concerns for her safety, Cai hasn't agreed to be a live-in helper, but only to do a day-time job for three or four days a week at most.
However, after only half an hour, the university authorities suspended the recruitment.
Firstly, housekeeping service companies must show a business license, introductory letter and work description plus sign agreements with the school; secondly, university students are not allowed to live in employers' homes; thirdly, housekeeping firms are required to offer detailed information on the salaries payable to students, including those during holidays, said Wang Zhi, a teacher in charge of part-time job services at East China Normal University, adding that housekeeping companies will be allowed to recruit students when all the necessary procedures have been followed.
Several other housekeeping companies don't want to follow suit. "Some university students cannot even take care of themselves, how can they look after children?" said a manager with a housekeeping firm. University students usually have a strong sense of self-respect, how can they quality for the job? It usually takes one week to adapt to the job, but their holiday is only around three weeks, so it is a waste of both time and energy, another manager said.