China's employment landscape remained stable in 2024 as the nation added 12.56 million new urban jobs, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security on Tuesday. The surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent, a 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.
Significantly, over 33.05 million people who had been lifted out of poverty were employed by the end of 2024, showcasing China's ongoing efforts in poverty alleviation and employment generation.
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 available in both physical and digital forms, with many individuals utilizing both types.
In a move to bolster skilled labor, Lu highlighted that the ministry has strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessments. Over 12 million individuals obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates last year.
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 includes establishing a mechanism for collecting and releasing information on job positions related to major projects.
Efforts will also be accelerated to enhance the private pension system's appeal by researching and formulating relevant policies and measures.
By the end of 2023, there were 70,000 human resource service agencies operating across China, employing 1.06 million people. These agencies provided services to 300 million workers and 55.99 million employers throughout the year, with approximately 40 percent of the employers in the manufacturing sector, according to ministry official Zhang Wenmiao.
Addressing youth employment, the ministry stated it would introduce a youth job creation program in 2025, 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
