China employs 4.4 million disabled in urban areas: white paper

The number of disabled employees in the urban areas of China had reached 4.434 million by the end of 2009, and 17.57 million disabled people in the rural areas had found stable jobs, according to a white paper titled "China's Human Resources" published Friday.

The white paper, issued by the Information Office of the State Council, says the government is formulating an overall plan for the employment of the disabled to guarantee their legal rights.

The government has formulated and implemented employment policies favorable for the disabled people. Any employer with one quarter of its employees being persons of disabilities will enjoy tax preference.

The government also gives advice to and helps the disabled to establish welfare enterprises of persons of disabilities, and encourages and supports them to explore flexible ways of employment.

The document said that the China Disabled Persons' Federation at all levels protects the legitimate rights and interests of disabled persons and promotes their equal participation in social life.

A total of 3,043 employment service agencies have been set up at the provincial, municipal and county levels to provide special employment services for the disabled.

Source:Xinhua