China seeks to protect rights of workers in flexible employment

At the State Council’s executive meeting, Premier Li Keqiang said, “The lawful rights and interests of workers engaged in new forms of employment must be upheld. The flexibly employed now total over 200 million across the country. Last year, we realised fairly sufficient employment, and flexible employment saw an increase of 7.7%.” 

Under the new laws, businesses that employ workers in labour dispatch and outsourcing would need to provide appropriate safeguards for their rights and interests. They should also pay work remuneration on time and in full, and refrain from setting any evaluation criteria that endanger workers’ safety and health. 

Platform businesses are urged to incorporate feedback from worker representatives when formulating or adjusting the rules and algorithms on order distribution, commission rate, and make the results public. They should not unlawfully impose restrictions which prohibit workers from taking jobs on multiple platforms. 

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In addition, occupational injury insurance for the flexibly employed will be piloted, with those working in ride-hailing, food delivery and instant delivery being given priority.  

Also, vocational skills training models tailored to new forms of employment will be developed, and subsidies will be provided to eligible workers participating in such training programmes, according to Xinhua.