Zhang Ying, director of the employment promotion department of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, said at the conference that the epidemic has affected companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises. There is a labour shortage because of policies restricting population flow, Zhang said.
"We are making full use of the vacancies now available, such as in those positions producing medical supplies. Central and local governments also have released preferential policies to small and medium-sized enterprises such as reducing taxes and providing them with rent allowances." In late January, the ministry released a notice saying that companies facing hardship because of NCP can adjust workers' salaries, change work shifts and shorten work hours after conferring with their workers in order to help avoid downsizing.
Zhang said that the ministry will further enhance their activities in helping control the epidemic and promoting orderly resumption of companies' business.