Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security Strengthens Standardization of Gig Market
In a move to support flexible employment and re-employment, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security has issued a notice on January 8 to strengthen the standardization of the gig market. The notice aims to incorporate the gig market into the construction of employment public service systems, providing free, standardized, and sustainable basic employment public services to all flexible employment personnel.
The notice emphasizes the need to adhere to inclusiveness and openness to society, expand urban and rural service coverage, and improve the equalization and accessibility of gig market services. Additionally, the Ministry urges the exploration of suitable job opportunities for older workers and those facing difficulty in finding employment, with a focus on providing bottom-up support to achieve employment and increase income.
Associate Professor Zhang Chenggang, along with the director of the China New Employment Form Research Center, commented on the significance of incorporating the gig market into the employment public service system. Zhang Chenggang highlighted the importance of this move in providing basic services for vulnerable employment groups in the labor market and its positive impact on stabilizing the job market.
Challenges such as low operating efficiency, information asymmetry, and insufficient protection of labor rights are still prevalent in the gig market. To address these issues, the Ministry’s notice outlines a comprehensive plan to strengthen the standardized construction of the gig market, including focusing on service functions, construction layout, operation mode, information analysis, and service capabilities.
Local gig markets will be tasked with providing services such as information matching of supply and demand for flexible employment positions, career guidance, employment skills training, and entrepreneurship training. Furthermore, various localities have introduced policies and measures to improve the gig market service system. For example, the employment department of Qinghai Province has built gig stations and actively promotes the construction of gig markets, while the Department of Human Resources and Social Security of Shaanxi Province is working to build efficient and convenient online and offline gig service platforms.
Industry experts foresee the digital transformation of the gig market as an important trend in its future construction. It is essential to gradually promote the digital transformation of the gig market and establish an effective operating model and information analysis mechanism. The joint efforts of all parties to accelerate the construction of the gig market will play a crucial role in improving the employment service system and broadening employment channels.
The Ministry’s notice signifies a significant step toward supporting flexible employment and re-employment, providing hope for those seeking job opportunities in the gig market.