The Central Government outlined measures to help college graduates in their job hunts on May 15 amid this year's grave employment situation.

According to a statement released after a meeting of the State Council, China's cabinet, about 6.99 million college students will graduate this year.

The State Council called for the implementation of existing policies favorable to graduates' employment, broadened ways and increased job vacancies, and for guiding graduates to seek jobs in small and medium-sized enterprises, private businesses and at the grassroots level.

The Central Government also encouraged graduates to turn toward self-employment and start their own businesses, promising to provide training subsidies, petty loans, tax breaks and other incentives.

Employment services should also be improved, according to the statement, which added that graduates from low-income families will receive financial assistance.