China Adds 12.56 Million New Urban Jobs in 2024, Employment Remains Stable
China's employment landscape continues to show robust growth, with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security announcing on Tuesday that 12.56 million new urban jobs were created in 2024. This marks a significant achievement in the nation's ongoing efforts to stabilize and boost employment.
The surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent in 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.
By the end of 2024, over 33.05 million people who had been lifted from poverty secured employment, highlighting China's commitment to improving livelihoods and reducing poverty through job creation.
China's social security system also saw considerable expansion. 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 are divided into physical and digital types, and many individuals hold both.
Lu noted that the ministry strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessment in 2024. Over 12 million individuals obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates, enhancing the skilled workforce across various industries.
Looking ahead to 2025, the ministry announced plans to 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, further facilitating employment opportunities.
The ministry also intends to accelerate the development of policies to enhance the appeal of the private pension system, aiming to bolster social security for the aging population.
By the end of 2023, 70,000 human resource service agencies were operating nationwide, employing 1.06 million people. According to ministry official Zhang Wenmiao, these agencies provided services to 300 million workers and 55.99 million employers throughout 2023, with approximately 40 percent of these employers in the manufacturing sector.
Recognizing youth employment as a top priority, the ministry will introduce a youth job creation program this year, including measures to boost employment for college graduates. \"Throughout 2025, we will organize a series of activities to promote employment and entrepreneurship among young people,\" said ministry official Chen Yongjia.
These initiatives reflect China's dedication to fostering a stable and inclusive employment environment, supporting economic growth, and enhancing the well-being of its population.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
