China says job creation priority for economic policy

BEIJING, Feb 10 - China will make expanding employment a priority in setting economic and industry policy, said a government directive that also warned local officials their promotion prospects will hinge on job creation.

The directive from China's State Council, or cabinet, was issued on the government website (www.gov.cn) on Tuesday, and is Beijing's latest step in a campaign against slowed growth, rising numbers of jobless, and signs of growing discontent.

It suggested a more active government role in containing unemployment.

"In implementing macro-economic and structural economic adjustment and making settings for major industries and projects, priority consideration must go to the impact on expanding employment," stated the directive, which was dated Feb 3.

Assessments of local officials must also consider their performance in creating jobs and "controlling unemployment," said the directive.

It also sets rules for cutting staff in businesses, requiring that employers give state-run unions or all employees 30 days notice if they are going to cut 20 or more workers or 10 percent or more of the total workforce.