BEIJING (AFP) - Although China is claiming success in its battle against the coronavirus, millions have lost their jobs in the economic fallout, throwing into jeopardy an ambitious target to eradicate poverty this year.. Read more at straitstimes.com.
BEIJING - Although China is claiming success in its battle against the coronavirus, millions have lost their jobs in the economic fallout, throwing into jeopardy an ambitious target to eradicate poverty this year.
About 5.5 million rural Chinese live in poverty, defined by the government as surviving on less than 2,300 yuan a year. China has little in the way of social security benefits, and workers who lose their jobs have an inadequate safety net, meaning mass unemployment often brings a fear of unrest. Ms Hu Fangdi, 23, lost her job as a saleswoman at an airport retail store two weeks ago and has had no luck finding a new role.Ms Lily Han, who lost her sales job at a tech firm last month, said she needs a new job within two months just to make ends meet.'CONSTANT ANXIETY' With much of the rest of the world still locked in all-consuming battles against the virus, the pandemic is expected to heavily weigh on demand for Chinese goods.
"I have housing and credit loans to pay... My family is now covering my housing loan and I work part-time to cover my daily expenses," he said.Mr Eric Liu, owner of Maomaochong Bar and Pizza in one of Beijing's ageing hutong neighbourhoods, says business is paltry as the narrow alleyways remain sealed off.
And Beijing authorities have allowed companies to waive some social security payments, including contributions to pension, unemployment and work injury funds - measures that could further hit vulnerable workers.
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