Build better job security
(China Daily)
Updated: 2006-09-14 08:35 More efforts should be made to improve the
employment security system, says a signed article in the overseas edition of
People's Daily. An excerpt follows:
There have been great changes in China' employment system since the country
adopted its reform and opening-up policies. The unemployment rate stands high
and the urban registered unemployment rate has always been above 5 per cent. A
large number of unemployed labourers need help. The employment risks for some
groups and regions are especially eminent, which could lead to social crisis if
not properly addressed.
A worker stands among scaffolding in Beijing
September 9, 2006. China's registered urban unemployment rate stood at 4.2
percent at the end of June, the same as at the end of March and at the end
of 2005, Xinhua news agency reported. In the first six months, China
created 6.08 million jobs in urban areas and re-employed 2.36 million
laid-off workers, it
added. [Reuters] |
The current employment
security system is a combination of unemployment insurance and proactive
employment policies. The majority of labourers, however, are not covered by the
security system: only about 40 per cent of urban employees have unemployment
insurance; workers laid off by non-State enterprises and other unemployed
labourers are not covered by the pro-active employment policies. Unemployment
insurance only accounts for 12.7 per cent of the social average wage an
unemployment relief that cannot provide sufficient guarantees for life.
Therefore, more efforts should be made in this regard.
First, the unemployment insurance, relief and welfare systems should be
improved. The unemployment insurance level should be increased. The insured
period should be shortened to urge the unemployed to find new jobs as soon as
possible. The unemployment registration system should be perfected to let all
labourers get registered in the places they live. Services and jobs should be
provided as major assistance with cash and goods given as supplements.
Second, the proactive employment system should be improved. According to
national conditions, the policies should focus on helping current employees
stabilize their employment whilst helping the unemployed find jobs. Various
policies should be straightened out and institutionalized through legislation.
Third, the employment security input system should be perfected. A budget
system should be established and well implemented. The central government should
adjust the financial input structures and make transfer payments to
poverty-stricken areas. And a supervision system should be set up to ensure
efficient money use.
Last but not least, the legislative work should be enhanced. Related laws
such as the Law on Employment Promotion and the Labour Contract Law should be
implemented to the letter.
(China Daily 09/14/2006 page4)
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