$BNB China's flexible employment is projected to hit 320 million this year, making up 40% of the workforce.
China's flexible employment is set to cross a critical threshold this year, reaching 320 million people and becoming a vital pillar of the job market. Based on the total employment figure of 725 million in China by the end of 2025, this means over 44% are in flexible employment. The gig economy has been growing at a rate of 40 million people per year, with household services and food delivery being the main sources of new jobs, while some professions like ride-hailing drivers are seeing a decline. Although blue-collar average monthly income has risen by 117% over the past decade, flexible workers still face limited growth opportunities and insufficient protections. Scholars point out that economic transformation, the expansion of the platform economy, and an oversupply of labor are driving the growth of flexible employment, but outdated regulations result in weak rights protections. The government plans to introduce policies to support flexible workers in participating in insurance, but coverage remains low, with fewer than a million food delivery riders receiving the 'five insurances and one fund' benefits.
China's flexible employment is set to cross a critical threshold this year, reaching 320 million people and becoming a vital pillar of the job market. Based on the total employment figure of 725 million in China by the end of 2025, this means over 44% are in flexible employment. The gig economy has been growing at a rate of 40 million people per year, with household services and food delivery being the main sources of new jobs, while some professions like ride-hailing drivers are seeing a decline. Although blue-collar average monthly income has risen by 117% over the past decade, flexible workers still face limited growth opportunities and insufficient protections. Scholars point out that economic transformation, the expansion of the platform economy, and an oversupply of labor are driving the growth of flexible employment, but outdated regulations result in weak rights protections. The government plans to introduce policies to support flexible workers in participating in insurance, but coverage remains low, with fewer than a million food delivery riders receiving the 'five insurances and one fund' benefits.
