CRI听力:Raising Retirement Age Doesn't Conflict Employment

Hu Xiaoyi is the deputy head of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.

"From January to November this year, the number of newly created jobs has reached 12.42 million, which has reached the target set for the whole year. By the end of the third quarter, the registered unemployment rate has maintained at 4.04 percent. "

Hu Xiaoyi has also taken time to talk about the planned retirement reforms here in China.

A government document released after the key Party session earlier this year has indicated the central authorities are mulling a plan to raise the retirement ages.

Currently, the retirement age for men is 55 or 60, depending on their jobs.

For women it's either 50 or 55.

These standards were set in the 1950's, when life-expectancy was well below what it is today.

Noting this, Hu Xiaoyi says the planned reforms to the retirement age will be taken step by step.

He notes the plan is still under discussion, and public opinions are welcomed.

However, the plan is already raising concern among the public.

According to the Ministry of Education, college graduates this coming year will reach a record high 7.27-million.

Many are worried the prolonged working years could make the job market even more competitive for new graduates.

Hu Xiaoyi says raising the retirement age shouldn't conflict with new employment.

"The relationship between retirees and new work forces is not simply a calculation problem. This is because the society and economy are changing all the time."

Xin Changxing, deputy head of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, notes that new graduates are being encouraged to start their own businesses.

"Firstly and fundamentally, we need to create more jobs. We will also will implement and perfect the policies that promote employment. Subsidies would given to medium and small sized companies that employ newly graduated students. Also we encourage them to start their own businesses after graduation, especially to help their businesses survive in a long run."

It's being reported that those with professional skills, such as docters and scientists, will be the first group of people to see their working years extended.

For CRI, I'm Qizhi.