Nannie auction bids for domestic bliss

Demand for domestics has led to a shortage in many parts of the country.In big cities, the income of a well qualified nanny is usually above 10,000 yuan, and according to a report by employment analysts zhaopin.com, the median monthly income for white-collar workers in Beijing is 5,453 yuan. The National Bureau of Statistics reckon the percentage of migrant workers working as domestics decreased from 12.7 percent in 2010 to 12.2 percent in 2012. An investigation by the women's federation of northeast China's Liaoning Province last year showed demand for 800,000 servants in the province, and only 300,000 workers in the marketplace.

New growth engine: Urbanization

To increase the workforce, conditions must be improved. Many are not provided with pensions and medical insurance, Tian Hua said.

There is also wage disparity in the sector. The income of a nanny is usually high, but the carers for the elder or sick only make around 2,400 yuan per month, he said.

Wan Zhong said, as the central government pays more attention to the home service industry, training will become more professional and complete, bringing wages to a more reasonable level.

Zheng Yujie of China Investment Corporation wants the government to defend the home service market with better laws and regulations to protect clients, home service organizations and workers.

According to guidance for the home service industry issued by the State Council in 2010, the home service market and support organizations should be stable by 2015 with a balance between supply and demand.