In a positive sign for China\u2019s economy, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security announced on Tuesday that 12.56 million new urban jobs were created in 2024. This marks a significant achievement in maintaining employment stability across the nation.
According to the ministry, the surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent for 2024, a slight decrease of 0.1 percentage points compared to the previous year. \"The employment situation remained generally stable,\" said Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the ministry, during a press conference.
Lu highlighted that by the end of 2024, over 33.05 million people who had been lifted from poverty secured employment. This milestone reflects China\u2019s ongoing efforts to improve livelihoods and reduce poverty through job creation.
Furthermore, China\u2019s social security card holders reached nearly 1.39 billion by the end of last year, with 1.07 billion users holding digital social security cards. Social security cards, which exist in both physical and digital forms, are essential for accessing various social services, and many individuals possess both types.
The ministry has also strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessments. Over 12 million individuals obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates last year, enhancing the skilled workforce in the country.
Looking ahead to 2025, the ministry announced plans to implement a targeted employment support program. This initiative will focus on key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, establishing a mechanism for collecting and releasing information on job positions related to major projects.
Efforts to enhance the private pension system are also underway. The ministry will accelerate research and formulate relevant policies and measures to make the system more appealing to the populace.
By the end of 2023, there were 70,000 human resource service agencies operating nationwide, 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.
This year, the ministry plans to introduce a youth job creation program, including measures 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, 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
