Eligible enterprises in Zhongshan that have been affected by complex economy home and abroad can now apply for the Subsidy for Affected Enterprises (SAE) up to December 31. Applications will be reviewed in accordance with the "Aiding Enterprises and Stabilizing Employment" (AESE) policy.

Effected enterprises with social security can enjoy the subsidy under relevant supporting policies. Eligible enterprises which have difficulties to join social insurance can receive subsidies calculated according to the amount of six months' local unemployment insurance per capita and the number of insured employees. Subsidies will be disbursed from the city's Unemployment Insurance Fund.

The head of Zhongshan Human Resources and Social Security Bureau indicated that enterprises have to meet two requirements to receive SAE: being identified as effected enterprises, and having lay-off rates no higher than last year's urban registered unemployment rate, which is 2.31%.

Taking into account the complex economic situation both at home and abroad, companies would be identified as "effected enterprises", should they meet one of the following two criteria. First, the enterprise's quarterly sales subject to value-added tax (VAT) must have seen a 15% decrease compared with previous year for two consecutive natural quarters upon application. Second, the enterprise's import and export volumes must have dropped by over 15% for two consecutive natural quarters upon application.

Additionally, the enterprise should be committed to legal and honest operations, have conducted no major tax violations in the previous three years, must participate in social insurance, and must have paid their social insurance premiums on schedule and in full.

It is worth noting that an enterprise can only apply for either SAE or AESE.