Beijing aims to create at least 55 million jobs in cities by 2025 with a new employment plan. Workers’ rights and training of the workforce should also be improved as part of the strategy.
The State Council of China, the equivalent of a government cabinet, wants to limit unemployment to 5.5 percent of the working population. In addition, the share of wages as part of the economy must be increased in order to reduce the income gap, and the average age of the working population will be raised, according to the plan.
Beijing has made employment a top priority of its economic policy. Recently, China has been making more and more efforts to reduce inequality and achieve “common prosperity”. Part of the plan is to improve workers’ rights, especially in the technology sector, where the workload is said to be far too high. The Supreme Court in China rebuked the tech sector on Friday over working conditions.
Beijing will be strict to ensure that working hours are following the law and that employees are given enough free time. China also pledged to tackle discrimination in the workplace. Employers are further encouraged to have flexible policies for employees caring for small children. Vocational training is also offered to young mothers who stopped working because of childbirth.