Labor shortage hits cities as workers go home for holiday

He Jiajing, a mother from Shanghai, has been frustrated by her hunt for a nanny over the Chinese New Year.

She has a domestic helper to clean and cook for her, plus a nanny to help take care of her 4-year-old and 10-month-old sons, but both helpers will return to their hometowns in Anhui and Heilongjiang provinces for at least 10 days over the Spring Festival holiday.

"I have tried to find nannies who are natives of Shanghai, but failed. They also need to get together with their families," He said.