The Chinese government has called for unremitting efforts to win the tough battle against poverty by ensuring employment for the poor amid the novel coronavirus outbreak. 

Local authorities should provide targeted employment assistance to stop people from returning to poverty due to the epidemic, said a circular issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development. 

Arrangements will be made for migrant workers to return to work in a safe and orderly manner, while companies, poverty alleviation workshops and farmland irrigation projects should resume operation at the earliest in regions less affected by the epidemic. 

Allowances will be granted to key enterprises giving preference to qualified poor workers in recruitment, and subsidies will be offered to underprivileged laborers taking temporary posts related to epidemic control. 

Local authorities should also guide underprivileged laborers unable to leave the rural areas to prepare for spring plowing, sell farm produce on e-commerce platforms and engage in agricultural material transportation. Training and living subsidies will be provided to the underprivileged participating in online training while those out of work amid the epidemic will receive unemployment benefits. 

The circular stressed on assisting employment in highly-impoverished regions through creating targeted job opportunities, enhancing export of organized labor services, increasing rural public welfare posts as well as providing favorable financial support. 

China will strengthen efforts in poverty alleviation this year, aiming to lift the remaining impoverished counties and people under the current standard out of poverty, according to a State Council executive meeting held in January.