Action plan to aid disabled job seekers

China's central government has outlined plans to ensure the continued channeling of resources towards creating more job opportunities for people with disabilities.

The State Council, China's Cabinet, on Monday released a three-year action plan to facilitate employment for people with disabilities, describing them as an important force in advancing Chinese modernization and emphasizing that ensuring their employment requires joint efforts from the government, employers and society.

The plan details measures to expand employment channels, improve job services and create a supportive social environment for people with disabilities seeking to work or start businesses from 2025 to 2027.

Governments at all levels and their agencies, along with State-owned enterprises, are required to reserve a proportion of job openings for the disabled. Companies are also encouraged to create more jobs for people in this demographic as part of their social responsibility, with tax breaks and other financial incentives available to employers who hire them.

Local governments are urged to encourage people with disabilities to start businesses or take flexible jobs by establishing entrepreneurial bases and providing tax and loan support. Government-supported markets and night fairs should reserve stalls for the disabled at reduced rent.

The plan highlights the need for employment assistance for disabled college graduates and people with disabilities living in rural areas. Central departments, including the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, are directed to prioritize disabled college graduates, providing them with online and in-person job services to support their employment.

Local authorities are required to make regular visits to people with disabilities in rural areas and organize vocational training programs. The plan also calls for expanded support for e-commerce, livestreaming and rural tourism while encouraging participation in the rural logistics sector.

The action plan stresses vocational skills development and workplace rights protection. Special schools are encouraged to offer vocational classes, and colleges are encouraged to admit more students with disabilities. Authorities will organize regular skills competitions and exchanges with clear evaluation standards and incentives to help people with disabilities showcase their talents.

Local human resources departments and labor bureaus are instructed to tighten oversight over the job market and crack down on violations of workplace rights affecting people with disabilities.

China created about 512,000 new jobs for people with disabilities holding certificates last year, including 140,000 in urban areas and 372,000 in rural areas, according to the China Disabled Persons' Federation.

Under a previous three-year plan launched in 2022, China aimed to help 1 million disabled people secure jobs and improve their work and entrepreneurial abilities by the end of 2024.