The public has focused anti-discrimination measures and helping graduates secure their first jobs in their submissions on the draft employment promotion law of China.

China Youth Daily reports around 11,020 submissions have been filed on the draft law since it was released for public comment in March.

Some suggest universities should be responsible for helping their graduates secure employment because the competition for first jobs is currently so fierce. They say companies should post details of their requirements for employees to universities to help universities tailor their courses to meet the needs of the market.

Others say China should introduce policies to help university graduates launch their own businesses. They also say the government should provide more economic incentives and political support to encourage graduates to seek jobs in the less developed western regions.

The public feedback on the draft law also suggests the government should introduce measures to combat discrimination against people on the grounds of appearance, nationality, race, gender, religion, age or physical disabilities. They say the lack of detailed anti-discrimination measures in the current draft law will deprive employees of their right to equal opportunity. Employees will find themselves in disadvantaged position if they have a conflict with their employer. So detailed provisions need to be introduced to combat discrimination, protect employees' rights and clarify responsibilities.

The Chinese government has introduced a series of policies to boost employment in recent years. The current unemployment rate is less than 4.3 percent.

(CRI April 27, 2007)