Job seekers optimistic in New Year

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Reports from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security say, China's urban unemployment rate was 4.2 percent at the end of 2008, up 0.2 percent year on year.

The government is taking measures to increase employment. Governments at all levels are playing their part, from policy making to policy implementation.

Zhang Lixin is on the Desheng Neighborhood Committee in Beijing's Xicheng District. She is early for work today, as the committee is holding a job fair for unemployed people in the neighborhood.

As they represent the government at the grassroots level, the neighborhood committee has strengthened its efforts to increase the employment rate.

The government allocates money to the neighborhood committee to help promote employment and hire staff. Zhang Lixin started work for the committee after she paid a visit to register as unemployed. Staff found she had suitable experience to fill a vacancy.

Zhang Lixin, Neighborhood Committee staff, said, "I was here for unemployment registration when the staff saw my resume and asked whether I was interested in working for the committee. I said ok, why not have a try. There was some training, and I've been working here ever since. Our task is to help people find employment, and I sometimes encourage them with my own experience."