They also proposed that re-employment access be expanded for laid-off workers, unemployment insurance be guaranteed and retirement benefits be secured.

These instructions were delivered at a conference of the nine-member Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China's (CPC) Central Committee yesterday.

The meeting was chaired by Party General Secretary Hu Jintao.

Officials at the meeting said more work needs to be done to provide basic living expenses for unemployed or underemployed urbanites, especially those in financial hardship.

Workers from State-owned companies that are operating with heavy losses, or in financial difficulties, or that have already ceased operation, should be covered by the minimum living allowances, they said.

In addition, measures should be taken to ensure that residents living in disaster-prone or poverty-stricken regions have enough to eat and wear, and the means to live safely through the harsh winter.

Officials at the meeting said they require relief funds to be handed out to all residents in need before Spring Festival, which falls on February 1, 2003.

On the issue of migrant workers, the State leaders said they would move to discover and punish illegal activities regarding migrant workers' wages.

The interests of the migrant workers, who turned to cities to look for a better life, should be safeguarded, they said.

The officials also called for increased public involvement in the form of donations and other activities to help destitute residents to a better life.

State cadres at all levels were warned against any extravagance or waste, and those officials who turn a blind eye to such abuses will be subject to severe punishment.

(China Daily December 13, 2002)