Start with free public employment services and casual-work markets
Public agencies provide job matching, career guidance, policy advice, and employment or unemployment registration without charging. They are legally prohibited from running these services for commercial profit. Registering and posting information at public casual-work markets is also free. Complete unemployment registration at the same time; it is needed for unemployment benefits and employment-difficulty status.
What it takes
Free. Register with a county-level or higher public employment-service agency, such as an employment center or human-resources market, or a local casual-work market. Call 12333 for the address.
What you may gain
China’s Employment Promotion Law requires free employment-policy advice; vacancy and labor-market information; career guidance and job placement; employment and unemployment registration; and assistance for people facing employment difficulties. Public agencies may not use these services for commercial activity. Registration and publication of casual-work vacancies and job-seeker information are included in free public employment information services. Additional assistance should be directed to casual workers with prolonged periods without work and those from low-income households.
Context & considerations
Unemployment registration is a prerequisite for unemployment insurance and recognition as a person facing employment difficulties, so handle it while there. For casual work paid by the day, confirm the amount at settlement, retain the other party’s contact details, and keep a record of the work performed.
Research & references
Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (2007, amended 2015). Employment Promotion Law, Article 35. https://www.gov.cn/guoqing/2021-10/29/content_5647636.htm; Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and four other departments (2022). Opinions on strengthening casual-work markets and improving job-matching services, document 2022 No. 38. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2022-07/09/content_5700177.htm.