Statistics from the Hanoi Department of Labour, Invalids andSocial Affairs (DoLISA) revealed that only 31 companies in the city had to cutworking hours or terminate contracts with their employees, which total morethan 13,000.
The department said that this was only a fraction compared tofigures in other key labour markets.
Meanwhile, last year also saw approximately 203,000 people findingnew employment, an increase of 13% compared to 2021.
The growth in the labour market also translated to a rise in thenumber of people signing up for social insurance.
Phan Van Men, Director of Hanoi Social Insurance, told Ha Noi Moi (New Ha Noi) newspaper:“There are 104,236 businesses of nearly two million people participating insocial insurance, an increase of 9,613 businesses and nearly 48,000 people onthe system, compared to 2022.
“Voluntary social insurance policy also has 75,000 more freelanceworkers, which will help with their pension when they retire. This issignificant growth compared to the previous year.”
The capital city’s labour market usually sees fluctuations afterthe Tet holiday when peopleswitch jobs or decide not to return.
However, this year saw nearly 98% of employees return to workafter the holiday, which also means that they continue to be included andprotected in the social insurance system.
Higher recruitment demands are also observed after the Tet holiday.
It is estimated that 162,000 jobs will be created in the capitalcity this year, which is considered a potential pool for social insurance.
Nguyen Thi Trang, a resident in Hanoi’s Phu Xuyen district said:“Having gone through the hardship of the COVID-19 pandemic, I truly understandthe importance of a safety net. This is why since the beginning of 2023, I’vebeen saving every month to join social insurance.”
Hanoi Social Insurance has set the goal to expand insurancecoverage to at least 43% of the current workforce. At least 2% of freelancersand farmers are also expected to participate in social insurance by the end ofthis year.
Working with the Hanoi Tax Department, authorities will strengthenthe inspection of employers to ensure that all workers who are employed underlabour contracts are participating in compulsory social insurance.
The capital city’s Federation of Labour has also held talks withworkers to better understand their needs and support their long-termparticipation in social insurance.
Meanwhile, trade unions at all levels will implement supportpolicies for their members and labourers who are affected by decreasing workinghours or had their contracts terminated.
These programmes will provide them with financial support duringdifficult times, while also minimising cases in which they leave the socialinsurance system.
Maintaining the number of people participating in social insuranceis also included in the socio-economic development plans of localities.
Pham Thi Hoa, Vice Cairwoman of the Ha Dong District People’sCommittee, said: “Implementing social insurance policies is one of the criteriain evaluating task completion of departments and businesses in the district.
“Ha Dong authorities will not accept bidding packages fromcompanies and agencies that owe or do not submit social insurance payments fortheir employees.
“On the other hand, businesses and wards who have implementedpolicies and see an increase in social insurance participants will receiverewards and recognition.”
In Hanoi’s Dan Phuong district, the local People’s Committee alsoplans to hold talks with people to address current bottlenecks, aiming forstable operations in businesses and more opportunities for people to beemployed and enjoy social insurance./.