China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin on Tuesday urged his colleagues from the private sector not to lay off workers to help maintain social stability amid the global economic turmoil.

Jia, Chairman of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said this in a report delivered at the second session of the 11th CPPCC National Committee, which convened on Tuesday at the Great Hall of the People in downtown in Beijing.

"National Committee members from the non-public sector of the economy should be encouraged to shoulder their share of social responsibilities," according to the Report on the Work of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee.

"Advisors should try their best to refrain from laying off any employees, cutting salaries or withholding wages, so as to create a harmonious labor relationship," said Jia.

(Xinhua News Agency March 3, 2009)