China pledges more proactive employment policy, 42 bln-yuan support

Source: Xinhua | 03-05-2009 10:57

BEIJING, March 5 (Xinhua) -- China pledged Thursday it will implement an even more proactive employment policy this year and allocate 42 billion yuan to offset unemployment caused by the global financial crisis.

To create more jobs, the government will make full use of the role of the service sector, labor-intensive industries, small and medium-sized enterprises, and the non-public sector of the economy, said Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao at the opening of the Chinese parliament's annual session.

"We will do everything in our power to stimulate employment," said Wen when delivering the government work report.

He said priority will be given to finding jobs for university graduates and migrant workers.

The two groups are the hardest hit as the deepening global financial crisis dented job demand in the world's fastest-expanding economy.

The government will offer social security benefits and position subsidies for college graduates who take jobs in public administration and public services at the community level, he told the country's legislators.