The welfare state in UK and China

The social security system is run by Department of  Work and Pensions in Britain. The fund of this programme is contributed by the national tax system and the National Insurance Fund (employees and workers). The social security system benefits to not only the workers who pay for the NIF, but also to low income people, disabled people or family needs. 

In China, the department which has a similar function with the Department of Work and Pensions in Britain called the Ministry of Civil Affairs. Meanwhile, it is also financed from general taxation. However, some other departments are included in this programme: the Department of Welfare Lotteries and the Department of Charity and Social Donation. Unfortunately, it is difficult for the fund to cover all the citizens because of the huge population in China.

One of the differences between the two welfare system is the official retirement. In Britain, employed women at 60 and men at 65 is the official retiring age. While the retirement age for women is 55 and for men is 60 in China. The retirement age in China is lower than that in Britain. Personally, I think the reason might be the employment rate. The job market in China is tougher than Britain, so that job opportunities are preferred from young generation.

National Health Servic in UK in an significant part of welfare system and it offers free health care for British peole. However, the welfare system can only pay a part of medical care of citizens in China, and the proportion that citizens should pay for health care depends on their contribution to the fund system and working age.