As China's unemployed flock to gig driving, cities impose limits

Post-COVID manufacturing job boom fails to materialize, creating a glut of drivers

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A lot in China's Guangdong province is filled with vehicles for gig drivers. (Photo by Yusuke Hinata)

YUSUKE HINATA, Nikkei staff writer

GUANGZHOU -- Chinese municipalities are combating a rush of gig drivers signing up for ride-hailing platforms, as the glut leaves many of these workers idle and creates risks for the financial system.

This trend was ignited by the slow recovery of Chinese manufacturing jobs. Gig driving offers a low barrier to entry, and demand for such work was expected to soar following the end of zero-COVID travel restrictions.

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