Changes aim to improve welfare for housemaids

Pilot project to sign contracts with housekeeping companies on the way

Changes in the pipeline are aimed at putting a shine on the city's housekeeping industry - bringing job security and health insurance to Beijing's 400,000 maids.

The new rules, which will start to filter out through a pilot project in April, will see housekeepers become employees of housekeeping companies. Currently, most housekeepers use the companies for introductions but after that, there is little contact.