China has made significant strides in bolstering its urban employment landscape, adding 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MOHRSS).
At a press conference on Tuesday, MOHRSS spokesperson Lu Aihong announced that the surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent in 2024, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points from the previous year. \"The employment situation remained generally stable,\" Lu stated, highlighting the nation's ongoing efforts to support job creation.
Notably, by the end of 2024, over 33.05 million people who had been lifted out of poverty secured employment, reflecting China's commitment to alleviating poverty through sustainable job opportunities.
Additionally, China's social security system saw significant growth, with nearly 1.39 billion social security card holders by the end of last year, including 1.07 billion digital social security card users. Social security cards, available in both physical and digital formats, are essential tools for citizens accessing various social services.
Lu emphasized the ministry's efforts in enhancing vocational skills among the workforce. Over 12 million individuals obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates in 2024, following the strengthening of standardized management of vocational competence assessments.
Looking ahead to 2025, the ministry announced plans to implement a targeted employment support program focusing on key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots, as well as micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. This initiative aims to establish a mechanism for collecting and releasing information on job positions related to major projects, further stimulating employment opportunities.
The ministry also intends to accelerate research and formulate policies to enhance the appeal of the private pension system, ensuring better social security for the aging population.
By the end of 2023, approximately 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 around 40 percent of these employers in the manufacturing sector.
To address youth employment, the ministry plans to introduce a job creation program this year, including measures specifically designed to boost employment for college graduates. \"Youth employment, particularly for college graduates, remains a top priority for the ministry,\" said Chen Yongjia, an official with the ministry. \"Throughout 2025, we will organize a series of activities to promote employment and entrepreneurship among young people.\"
China's proactive approaches in expanding employment opportunities and enhancing social security indicate a continued commitment to fostering economic growth and social stability.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
