Tang suggests speeding up reforms to give migrant workers the same welfare as urban residents and improve the rural social security net as ways to ease their financial burdens.

The most urgent task, however, is to tackle unemployment. The government is urging companies to avoid layoffs if at all possible and employ more migrants in public works projects.

Authorities in Guangdong, Sichuan and Henan have offered subsidized or free skills training to unemployed migrants since December. Cheap loans and tax breaks are promised to migrants who start their own businesses.

It brings some hope to Wang Xiaodong, who was laid off in Shanghai last year and received cullinary training at home in Anhui Province.

Waiting for a train back to Shanghai after the New Year, he says he plans to open a small restaurant on the city's outskirts with some friends, but still feels uncertain when talking about the future.

"I have to turn to others for help in almost all matters, such as applying for licenses. If I can eke out a living in the first year, I'll be content," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency February 6, 2009)