Source: CCTV.com

02-09-2009 08:54

In Shenzhen more than 3500 positions are on offer at the first major job fair after Spring Festival. But many employers have strict requirements that unskilled migrant workers are not able to meet.

In Shenzhen more than 3500 positions are on offer at the  first major job fair after Spring Festival.

More than a hundred companies are offering over 35,000 positions at the job fair in Shenzhen. 6000 people have come looking for work, but not many vacancies have been filled. Migrant workers say they have lowered their salary expectations this year.

One migrant worker said "It is more difficult than in the past year."

One migrant worker said "I will accept a salary of 1,800 yuan per month. Previously I expected 2,000 or even higher."

Processing and manufacturing companies employ vast numbers of migrant workers, but this year they have disappeared from the job fair. Many manufacturers and processing plants have been forced to cut jobs to weather the economic downturn.

Chen Maxing, Director of Shenzhen Human Resources Market said "Previously manufacturing companies provided half of the vacancies. But this year, they are almost all gone."

This year, 95 percent of jobs on offer are in the service sector -- logistics, hotel and catering positions are plentiful. Organizers say there is a lot of demand in these sectors. But many migrant workers cannot meet requirements such as age, gender and height.

One employer said "Some are older than our standard. They may not be suitable to do service work."

One migrant worker said "Although I am still strong and healthy like in my twenties, my age is a hurdle for me to get a job like that."

Although the job market is tough, many migrant workers say they will not give up easily.

One migrant worker said "I will take my time. I believe that if you persevere, you will eventually find a job."

Shenzhen's human resources and social security authorities say they will coordinate with many companies to offer jobs which are suitable for migrant workers. They plan to hold nearly 300 job fairs in February and March, providing 200-thousand positions.

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Editor:Xiong Qu