Workers receive Tết gifts from the HCM City Labour Federation on the occasion of the Tết holiday last year. VNA/VNS Photo

HCM CITY — HCM City will set aside nearly VNĐ1 trillion (US$41.2 million) to assist beneficiaries of welfare policies, poor households, disadvantaged elderly persons, children and workers to celebrate the upcoming Tết (the Lunar New Year) holiday, according to the city Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs.

Speaking at the city’s regular meeting reviewing socio-economic tasks this week, deputy director of the department Huỳnh Lê Như Trang said around VNĐ915 billion would be earmarked to provide financial relief, gifts and other activities, VNĐ34 billion more than last year.

Tết gifts worth VNĐ1.3-3.1 million each will be given to 313,620 people who are beneficiaries of welfare policies, 37,170 poor households, and 161,673 people under social protection, according to the official.

Trade unions in the city will spend more than VNĐ130 billion to provide financial relief, gifts and bus tickets for workers who are affected by job loss or salary reduction due to reduced orders.

The Hồ Chí Minh Communist Youth Union will give out more than 22,000 gifts for disadvantaged people and 3,700 train and bus tickets for students and workers to return home to enjoy the Tết holiday.

This year’s average Tết bonus was estimated at VNĐ12.3 million a person, which is comparable to last year's figure.

In addition to bonuses, enterprises plan to support their employees with gifts and vouchers for purchasing goods and arrange cars for employees to return home.

Around 25,000-29,000 jobs are available during the Tết holiday.

Recruitment demand is forecast at 49,000 – 57,500 positions after the holiday, with textile and footwear, food processing, plastics and rubber, accommodation and restaurants showing high recruitment demand. —VNS