Employment will remain stable, though measures curbing the novel coronavirus outbreak deferred the resumption of work, a senior official said at a news conference organized by the State Council Information Office on Tuesday.

Zhang Ying, director of the employment promotion department of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, said that the epidemic did affect companies, especially those in hard-hit regions such as Hubei province, the tourism and catering businesses, as well as some small and medium-sized enterprises.

Meanwhile, the workforce for epidemic-related industries is seeing a shortage, and many recruitment activities have been postponed for now, she said.

"However, the situation will be relieved after the epidemic gets better controlled," she said.

The ministry has taken measures to help companies and workers get through the current tough period.

"We will make all-out efforts to meet the demands of key enterprises producing medical supplies," she said.

Central and local governments also released preferential policies to small and medium-sized enterprises such as cutting taxes and giving them subsidies with conditions.

Zhang said that the ministry has also attached importance to the employment of some key groups including migrant workers, college graduates and workers in hard-hit areas by the epidemic.

"We are guiding migrant workers to return back to their positions in good order and are developing more jobs to let them work near their hometowns under the current situation," she said.

"Also, we encourage college graduates to send resumes and take interviews online while allowing companies and administrative units to postpone written tests and interviews."