People work at a shoemaking company in Putian in Fujian Province, southeast China, on April 27 (XINHUA)

Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), low-income people have attracted significant attention from society. Thanks to the enhancement of temporary assistance, their daily life has been safeguarded.

Those depending on odd jobs should not be ignored. Most of them are migrant workers, engaged in catering, construction, household maintenance and other fields, and whose work is not stable under market changes. Given their poor ability to resist risks, our society has the responsibility to help them tide over these difficult times.

Grassroots governmental departments can provide families having this problem with subsidies and necessities after an all-around investigation.

As a supplement to traditional employment models, people who have odd jobs are closely tied to the success of Internet platforms and the sharing economy. Thus, from a long-term perspective, it is necessary to provide legislative protection for this group and include them in the system of social security and regulation.

Today, many enterprises have adopted a flexible employment model to improve efficiency and cut operation costs. However, information asymmetry fails to meet the demands of enterprises and unemployed workers at the same time. So relevant authorities should build a platform of information and organize online job fairs to expand channels in this regard.

Vocational training is also a significant approach under the joint efforts of enterprises and governments at all levels based on the changing needs of industries. It can enable this group of workers with more employment possibilities by learning and mastering new skills.

For those who have returned to their hometowns, local governments have guided them to take part in spring plowing and the construction of agricultural infrastructure. They are also encouraged to set up their own businesses and apply ideas and commercial models that they have learned in cities to develop their hometowns.

(This is an edited excerpt of an article originally published in China Youth Daily on April 24)    

(Print Edition Title: Odd Job Workers)