China created 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. The surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points compared to the previous year, indicating a generally stable employment situation.
\"The employment situation remained generally stable,\" said Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, during a press conference on Tuesday. Lu highlighted that by the end of 2024, over 33.05 million people who had been lifted from poverty were employed, reflecting the country's ongoing efforts to enhance living standards and reduce poverty.
The number of social security card holders reached nearly 1.39 billion by the end of last year, including 1.07 billion digital social security card users. Social security cards, which come in both physical and digital forms, are widely adopted across the nation, with many individuals holding both types.
In terms of vocational development, the ministry has strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessments. Over 12 million individuals obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates in 2024, signaling a commitment to enhancing the skilled workforce.
Looking ahead, the ministry announced plans for a targeted employment support program in 2025. This program will focus on key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots areas, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. It aims to establish a mechanism for collecting and releasing information on job positions related to major projects, facilitating better job matching and opportunities.
The ministry also intends to accelerate research and formulate policies to enhance the appeal of the private pension system, contributing to the long-term financial security of the workforce.
Reflecting on 2023, the ministry reported that 70,000 human resource service agencies were operating across the country by the end of that year, employing 1.06 million people. These agencies provided services to 300 million workers and 55.99 million employers, with approximately 40 percent of these employers in the manufacturing sector, according to ministry official Zhang Wenmiao.
Youth employment remains a top priority for the ministry. \"We will introduce a youth job creation program this year, including measures to boost employment for college graduates,\" said ministry official Chen Yongjia. Throughout 2025, the ministry plans to organize a series of activities to promote employment and entrepreneurship among young people, aiming to harness their potential and support their entry into the workforce.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
