COVID-19 and Labour Law: China

Abstract

The Chinese government has provided special protection for workers who are, or might be, affected by the coronavirus, or who are in close contact with coronavirus patients, and are thus under mandatory quarantine. It has also required employers to continue paying employees when enterprises suspend production. To ensure unemployed workers’ a basic living, the government has adjusted the unemployment insurance by simplifying the application process and expanding its coverage to include more unemployed workers for a longer period. To support affected employers and to save jobs, the government has reduced or deferred employers’ payment of social insurance contributions. Migrant workers, the most affected group, have received special financial and employment support as well.