China created 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. The announcement was made on Tuesday, highlighting the country's efforts to maintain a stable employment landscape.
The surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent in 2024, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points from the previous year, the ministry reported.
\"The employment situation remained generally stable,\" said Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, during a press conference.
By the end of 2024, over 33.05 million people who had been lifted from poverty were employed, underscoring China's commitment to poverty alleviation and economic inclusion.
Additionally, China's social security card holders reached nearly 1.39 billion, including 1.07 billion digital social security card users. \"Social security cards are divided into physical and digital cards, and many people hold both types,\" Lu explained.
The ministry has also strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessment. Over 12 million individuals obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates last year, enhancing the skilled workforce.
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 program aims to establish a mechanism for collecting and releasing information on job positions related to major projects.
The ministry will also accelerate the research and formulation of relevant policies to enhance the appeal of the private pension system, aiming to provide 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 Zhang Wenmiao, an official with the ministry. 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.
This year, the ministry will introduce a youth job creation program, including measures to boost employment for college graduates. Youth employment remains a top priority. \"Youth employment, particularly for college graduates, is a focus for us,\" 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.\"
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
