Beijing Implements Employment Rules Related to Covid-19
Beijing Implements Employment Rules Related to Covid-19
In the February edition of GC Agenda China (subscription required), Morrison & Foerster partner Paul McKenzie shared his thoughts on the Notice on Flexibly Arranging Work for Enterprises in this City during the Prevention and Control of the Novel Coronavirus Infection Pneumonia Epidemic newly issued by the Beijing Municipal People’s Government.
Mr. McKenzie commented: “The municipal government is under intense and conflicting pressure to prevent the spread of Covid-19 as the city’s workforce gradually returns from Chinese New Year travel and at the same time to facilitate resumption of normal business operations in the capital. Parents of school-aged children applauded the employee-friendly January 31 notice but employers, whose businesses are reeling from the effects of Covid-19, were very critical. The balance of opinion has swung in the direction of easing the burden on employers. Nonetheless, with schools in Beijing still closed for the time being, childcare for working parents will remain a challenge and employers in Beijing and other cities whose businesses can support flexible work arrangements will be in a better position to manage through the coming weeks.”