China has successfully added 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, maintaining a stable employment situation, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the Ministry, 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.
By the end of 2024, over 33.05 million people who had been lifted from poverty were employed, highlighting the nation's efforts in poverty alleviation and employment promotion.
China's social security card holders reached nearly 1.39 billion by the end of last year, including 1.07 billion digital social security card users, Lu added. These cards, available in both physical and digital forms, play a crucial role in accessing social services.
Lu also noted that the Ministry has strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessments, with over 12 million individuals obtaining vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates last year.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Ministry announced a targeted employment support program focusing on key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots areas, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. They plan to establish a mechanism for collecting and releasing information on job positions related to major projects.
The Ministry will also accelerate research and formulation of policies to enhance the appeal of the private pension system, aiming to provide better retirement options for citizens.
By the end of 2023, there were 70,000 human resource service agencies operating across the country, employing 1.06 million people, according to 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.
In an effort to boost youth employment, particularly among college graduates, the Ministry will introduce a youth job creation program in 2025. \"Youth employment remains a top priority,\" 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.\"
These initiatives reflect China's commitment to fostering a stable and robust labor market, supporting economic growth, and ensuring the well-being of its citizens in the coming years.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
