More than half of farmers-turned-urban workers say they hope to settle down in cities even though 50 per cent of them now earn less than 800 yuan a month, according to a survey of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The survey on the quality of life of migrant laborers, published by NBS on Tuesday, shows migrant workers have a long list of concerns and grievances.

The poll found that over 40 percent of the 29,425 respondents say that a higher cost of living in cities is their biggest problem.

The NBS survey showed that the per capita monthly income for half of the migrant laborers is less than 800 yuan, with 19.67 percent below 500 yuan.

They also worry work safety, being unemployed and not being able to take care of their family members left in their home towns and villages.

The migrant workers are also concerned that no one will look after them if they get sick.

Almost one third of the respondents say they are not happy with their level of pay and worried unstable income, over work, little opportunity to learn special skills, unfair treatment and poor working conditions.

Nearly 20 percent of the respondents hope that the government will help them secure housing and medical care.

The State Council, or China's cabinet, held its first national conference earlier this month on issues relating to migrant workers.

Participants hoped that the government will make great effort to tackle the top 10 issues of the greatest concern of migrant workers. They included employers who default of their pay, minimum wage levels, labor contracts, work safety and hygienic conditions, protection of their rights and interests, employment guidance, skill and safety training, health insurance, their children's rights to receive compulsory education in cities, family planning and health services.

(Xinhua News Agency October 26, 2006)