China aims to promote employee insurance coverage for flexible workers and those in emerging employment models under its Five-Year Plan
TL;DR
China's Five-Year Plan expands social insurance for flexible workers, covering 25.1 million gig workers by 2025 and aiming for nationwide coverage by 2026. It includes legislative updates, skills training, and efforts to address income volatility and social safeguard gaps for over 200 million workers.
Tags
China aims to promote employee insurance coverage for flexible workers and those in emerging employment models under its Five-Year Plan
China is advancing measures to expand social insurance coverage for flexible workers and those in emerging employment models under its 15th Five-Year Plan, reflecting a broader push to stabilize labor markets amid technological and economic shifts. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security reported that occupational injury insurance for gig workers—such as delivery personnel and ride-hailing drivers—has already covered 25.1 million individuals as of 2025, with plans to extend this program nationwide by 2026. This expansion aligns with pilot programs launched in 2022, which saw 23.25 million workers enrolled across 17 provinces and 11 companies by October 2025.
Legislative updates further support these efforts. The revised Public Security Administration Punishments Law (effective January 2026) imposes stricter penalties on labor violations, including forced labor, while the Value-Added Tax Law clarifies exemptions for employee services, reinforcing protections for non-traditional workers. Additionally, cross-provincial direct settlement for work-related injury medical expenses is being rolled out, with 50% coverage in pilot regions by 2026 and full implementation by the end of the 15th Five-Year Plan.
The government also emphasizes skills training and income stability for flexible workers. Subsidized programs in 2025 trained over 11 million job seekers, focusing on sectors like advanced manufacturing and AI. By 2026, new vocational initiatives will target youth skills, nursing for migrant workers, and emerging industries such as low-altitude economy and new energy vehicles according to program plans.
Despite progress, challenges remain. Over 200 million flexible workers face income volatility and gaps in social safeguards. To address this, authorities plan to refine contribution mechanisms for pension and medical insurance, easing access for gig workers. The State Council's proposed labor rights framework, currently under review, aims to standardize platform algorithms, limit working hours, and promote collective bargaining.
These measures underscore China's commitment to balancing technological innovation with labor market inclusivity, ensuring social stability while fostering economic resilience.