China – Rapid assessment of the impact of COVID-19 on employment

The COVID-19 crisis has had a major impact on employment in China. From the onset of the crisis, the Government adopted a wide range of policies to support enterprises and protect workers. These policies have prioritized employment, though not all policies have been yet fully implemented. Stronger implementation and more integrated employment policies are needed, while continuing to adapt to the economic recovery in a more flexible and fragile labour market.

Even before the COVID-19 crisis, China had been facing slower economic growth and rising unemployment, this as part of the structural transformation the country is undergoing, plus trade pressure. However, the outlook was still one of growth in both the economy and in employment. The COVID-19 crisis has had a major impact on employment in China. From the onset of the crisis, the Government adopted a wide range of policies to support enterprises and protect workers. These policies have prioritized employment, though not all policies have been yet fully implemented. Stronger implementation and more integrated employment policies are needed, while continuing to adapt to the economic recovery in a more flexible and fragile labour market.