To alleviate job-hunting woes, the central government has decided to step up subsidies and training programs directed at migrant workers. Flexible employment policies and more training chances were also encouraged.

The Shanghai Putuo District government offered some 1,600 job opportunities related to 2010 Shanghai World Expo preparation work for rural migrants.

Meanwhile, some companies choose to take on more social responsibilities. Ke Zhijian, President of Yake Corporation, a private company making baby toys in Pudong District, said: "Many staff have worked here for almost 10 years and contributed a lot. Whatever measures we take, we will never fire any of our staff."

Despite the current downturn, the company did not fire any of its 200 migrant workers.

Government policies and company efforts have helped to ease the unemployment to some extent. Yet more still needs to be done.

You Minjiang, a member of the Shanghai Municipal People's Political Consultative Conference, said that the government is still faced with a tough mission since there is no sign of immediate improvement in the economy.

"For example, relevant departments should build a platform to release job information weekly to rural migrants for free," suggested You.

(Xinhua News Agency February 8, 2009)