Incentives roll out for flexible work

Li emphasizes 'sustaining employment'at State Council executive meeting

China will roll out new incentives, such as encouraging the self-employed and part-time employment, to support flexible employment through multiple channel, and boost job creation and people's incomes, the State Council's executive meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang decided on Wednesday.

"Sustaining employment is our top priority in maintaining stability in the six key areas and enhancing protections in another six priority areas. Flexible employment is of particular importance," Li said.

"The situation this year is particularly challenging, as the number of migrant workers staying in or returning to rural areas keeps increasing. Income and employment are closely related. Our people have infinite creativity. This is what makes the Chinese economy resilient," Li added.

An array of incentives supporting flexible employment were adopted at the Wednesday meeting.

Self-employment will be encouraged. Key populations including college graduates, rural migrant workers and laid-off workers who become self-employed will receive startup subsidies, guaranteed loans, tax relief and other support, according to regulations.

Part-time employment will also be supported. Social insurance subsidies will be extended to those having difficulty finding jobs or college graduates yet to find employment two years after graduation if they engage in part-time work.

"Unwarranted restrictions on flexible employment must be removed, and the proportion of part-time employment needs to expand. New forms of industry and business models have played an effective role in our COVID-19 containment," Li said. "Government departments should exercise the accommodating yet prudent regulation, abolish unreasonable charges and offer more convenient services."

Accommodating yet prudent regulation will be applied to new forms of employment, including online retailing, smart mobility, online education and training, and telemedicine.

Online platforms will be encouraged to create more flexible jobs.

"Flexible employment has enormous potential. To meet the overall employment need this year, relevant support policies, such as tax and fee cuts already introduced, must be delivered on the ground as quickly as possible," Li said.

The meeting urged the strengthening of public services for employment. The gig work market will be developed to meet employers' need for flexible workers. The rights and interests of those flexibly employed will also be protected, including remuneration and the assurance of occupational safety.

Targeted training programs will also be carried out to enhance people's capacity for flexible employment.

"Local governments must earnestly fulfill their due responsibilities in protecting the lawful rights and interests of flexibly-employed workers. At the same time, businesses should be allowed certain flexibility, so that more jobs will be created. Governments should work to bring down business costs and help increase income for those working flexibly," Li said.