More than 30 percent of part-time job takers rely solely on that income to earn a living, the Shanghai Labor and Social Security Bureau said yesterday.
   
After providing payment suggestions twice last year, the bureau surveyed more than 1,000 part-time job workers throughout the city. The result is the city's third edition of salary guideline for 105 part-time jobs, 17 more than the last edition.
   
The survey indicated most laid-off workers flocked to low-demand positions requiring manual labor. People who were laid off and then found another job represented nearly 50 percent of those in the household service, eatery and retail sectors.
   
"Since most laid-off workers are middle aged and lack professional skills, part-time jobs without requirements in age and education are certainly more flexible choices for them to get back in the work force," said Zhang Li, director of the bureau's salary division.
   
The city's amended regulation that part-time workers are also entitled to a pension, medical insurance and other social security benefits also ensured the jobs are an important part of the city's employment structure, Zhang said.
   
The new salary guideline suggested payment for domestic helpers ranged from 5.5 yuan (66 US cents) to 13 yuan per hour, while waiters earn about 6 yuan per hour on average.
   
Aside from providing salary guideline, it also added 17 new professions to the list including masseuse, piano tuner and saxophone tutor.
   
Masseuses earn 30 yuan per hour on average while piano tuners see wages reach 130 yuan for in-home service.

(Shanghai Daily March 4, 2005)