Source: CCTV.com

01-24-2007 13:31

China's market for home help is booming as the country looks forward to the traditional spring festival break. In a market traditionally dominated by female workers, the surging demand is bringing males and students into the work force.

Mr. Zhang has been looking for a nanny recently. Despite having visited several domestic help companies, he still hasn't found one.

"I want a nanny to stay here during the spring festival and look after my parents, but it's hard to get one." Zhang said.

As one of the companies told us, although spring festival is still a month away, their business has hit a peak for the year --some 3 to 4 times more than usual.

And with many migrant workers heading home, this pressure can only get bigger. As a result, even university students are being drafted in to meet demand.

Zhouquan is a freshman at a University in Yunnan, and he is taking this opportunity to get some work experience.

"I believe I will benefit from this work experience, and make some money as well." Li said.

In addition to university students, some male workers are also being hired to meet the shortage. Mr Huang, a former factory worker, has joined the army of home helpers. He is happy with his new job, the working conditions are more comfortable and his income is better too.

Experts say, a growing number of affluent families in the city is driving a boom in this market. And the domestic help market is also helping to absorb the country's surplus labor capacity, contributing to the development of the services sector.

 

Editor:Du Xiaodan