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Saturday, 21 March 2026

The Universal Labour Era



An interesting People News piece on a Chinese government push for the elderly to re-enter the workforce, a move towards what is being called the 'universal labour era'. 


Shanghai Issues 'Work Urging Order' to the Elderly: Is the Social Security Fund Running Dry?

In the vibrant city of Shanghai, known as the most prosperous and astute city in China, a peculiar event has unfolded in recent days. Zhang, who was born in 1962 and just celebrated his 64th birthday, found himself unexpectedly urged by the government to return to work. After navigating through waves of layoffs and stock market fluctuations, he is now set to restart his life in the latter half as a 'senior intern.' The government's push for the elderly to re-enter the workforce has quickly become a trending topic.

On March 19, 28 departments in Shanghai collaborated to issue a document, delivering a 'work urging order' to the elderly. This initiative not only responds to the call of the Two Sessions but also serves as a form of 'self-rescue' by the government in light of a 35 billion yuan pension shortfall...

The document from Shanghai is certainly not an isolated incident. It marks the beginning of the entire nation transitioning into the 'universal labour era' as the mainland gradually implements delayed retirement policies.

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