The Ministry of Construction will soon amend its policies to help enterprises located outside industrial zones easily have access to land to build houses for their workers.

The information was confirmed on June 2 by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung during his working session with the delegation of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) to seek solutions for several labour issues.

The PM emphasised on the increase of government’s budget allocation to help laid off workers, speeding up the enforcement of Decrees No. 66 and 67 concerning the issuance of several policies on housing for workers in industrial zones and low-income people in urban areas and sanctions on enterprises that delay paying social insurance for labourers.

He urged the VGCL and the Ministry of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs to take their initiative in detecting violations against the rights of labourers.

He also called for people’s committees at all levels to work closely with the VGCL to protect the rights and improve the living standards of workers.

The government leader said Vietnam met with various difficulties risen from the global financial crisis and economic recession as well as natural calamities and pandemics during 2009 and the first five months of this year.

However, he underlined, the country still managed to maintain the highest growth rate in Southeast Asia , stabilise macroeconomy, curb inflation and ensure social security for people.

The achievements are partly attributed to the contributions of the VGCL and its chapters at all levels as well as the efforts of all workers in Vietnam , he stressed.

VGCL President Dang Ngoc Tung said labour unions at all levels have actively involved in building the laws and policies on labour as well as supervising the enforcement of these legislations./.