China created 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, maintaining a generally stable employment situation, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.
\"The employment situation remained generally stable,\" said Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the ministry, during a press conference on Tuesday.
In 2024, China's surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points from the previous year, indicating positive momentum in the job market.
By the end of 2024, over 33.05 million people who had been lifted from poverty were employed, showcasing the country's efforts in poverty alleviation through job creation.
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, according to Lu. The social security cards are divided into physical and digital forms, with many citizens holding both types.
Lu highlighted that the ministry strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessments in 2024, resulting in over 12 million individuals obtaining vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates last year.
Looking ahead, the ministry announced that in 2025, it will implement a targeted employment support program focusing on key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots, and 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.
The ministry also plans to accelerate research and formulate relevant policies to further enhance the appeal of the private pension system.
By the end of 2023, 70,000 human resource service agencies were 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.
Addressing youth employment remains a top priority for the ministry. Officials announced plans to introduce a youth job creation program this year, including measures to boost employment for college graduates.
\"Youth employment, particularly for college graduates, remains a top priority,\" said ministry official Chen Yongjia. \"Throughout 2025, we will organize a series of activities to promote employment and entrepreneurship among young people.\"
These initiatives reflect China's ongoing efforts to stabilize employment, support key industries, and promote economic growth through job creation.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
