Beijing focuses on employment in new policy package

The plan will provide incentives for companies to expand employment, encourage the labour force to find jobs in workplaces close to their homes, and boost flexible employment.

Under the plan, the city will increase government subsidies for employees as well as their social security and vocational training expenditure to support businesses to create jobs. More jobs related to COVID-19 prevention and control such as nucleic-acid testing and delivery services will be added.  

The city also plans to tap into the employment potential of community services, with a focus on building 15-minute community life circles. In addition, it will support flexible employment by offering social insurance subsidies to qualified workforces in the field. 

College graduates in the city will also receive more support to find jobs. For example, by the end of this year, companies will receive a one-time subsidy of 1,500 yuan (US$224) for each college graduate they recruit. Local governments will also offer subsidies to qualified graduates participating in internship programs and provide temporary social insurance subsidies to those seeking flexible employment. 

To help entrepreneurial college graduates, Beijing’s Zhongguancun Science Park will ramp up efforts to develop their startup projects with reduced costs and efficient services. Rent subsidies will be available across the city for first-time business owners graduating from college. 

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Companies in the city are also encouraged to recruit the unemployed and those experiencing difficulties in finding jobs. They will then receive government subsidies in either private or public posts, according to China.org.cn.