China has made significant strides in bolstering its urban employment, adding 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, as announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security on Tuesday. This achievement underscores the country’s efforts to maintain a stable employment situation amid global economic challenges.
According to the ministry, the surveyed urban unemployment rate in 2024 stood at 5.1 percent, a slight decrease of 0.1 percentage points from the previous year. “The employment situation remained generally stable,” said Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the ministry, during a press conference.
Employment opportunities have expanded not only in urban areas but also among those who have been lifted out of poverty. By the end of 2024, over 33.05 million people who had escaped poverty were gainfully employed, reflecting China’s commitment to sustaining its poverty alleviation achievements.
In terms of social security, the number of social security card holders reached nearly 1.39 billion by the end of last year, including 1.07 billion digital social security card users. These cards, available in both physical and digital formats, play a crucial role in providing benefits and services to the populace.
Lu also highlighted the ministry’s efforts in enhancing vocational skills among the workforce. Over 12 million individuals obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates last year, thanks to strengthened management of vocational competence assessments.
Looking ahead, the ministry announced plans to implement a targeted employment support program in 2025. This program will focus on key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. The initiative aims to establish a mechanism for collecting and releasing information on job positions related to major projects, further boosting employment opportunities.
The ministry is also set to accelerate research and formulate policies to enhance the appeal of the private pension system, ensuring better retirement security for citizens.
By the end of 2023, 70,000 human resource service agencies were operating across the country, employing 1.06 million people, according to ministry official Zhang Wenmiao. Throughout 2023, these agencies provided services to 300 million workers and 55.99 million employers, with approximately 40 percent of these employers in the manufacturing sector.
To address youth employment, particularly among college graduates, the ministry plans to introduce a youth job creation program this year. “Youth employment remains a top priority,” said ministry official Chen Yongjia. Throughout 2025, the ministry will organize a series of activities to promote employment and entrepreneurship among young people.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
