Hard times ahead in Shanghai

SHANGHAI: The jobs market here is currently stable but the effects of the global economic slowdown will be clear to see in the early part of next year, a spokesman for the municipal government said yesterday.

Speaking at a news briefing, Chen Qiwei said the hardest time has yet to come, and a close watch will have to be maintained on employment.

"The pressure on the sector is expected to reach its climax in the first half of next year," he said.