China Adds 12.56 Million New Urban Jobs in 2024, Employment Remains Stable
China's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security announced on Tuesday that the country created 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, marking a significant stride in bolstering the national employment landscape. 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,\" stated 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, underscoring the government's commitment to improving livelihoods and reducing poverty through job creation.
The ministry also reported significant growth in social security coverage. By the end of last year, nearly 1.39 billion people held social security cards, including 1.07 billion digital social security card users. Social security cards, available in both physical and digital formats, are essential tools for citizens to access various government services.
In efforts to enhance workforce skills, Lu noted that over 12 million individuals obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates last year. \"We have strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessment,\" he added, emphasizing the importance of certification in raising professional standards.
Looking ahead to 2025, the ministry plans to implement a targeted employment support program focusing on key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots areas, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. This initiative includes establishing a mechanism for collecting and releasing information on job positions related to major projects, aiming to bridge the gap between job seekers and employment opportunities.
Additionally, the ministry intends to accelerate research and formulate relevant policies to further enhance the appeal of the private pension system, addressing the needs of an aging population and promoting financial security in retirement.
According to Zhang Wenmiao, an official with the ministry, by the end of 2023, approximately 70,000 human resource service agencies were operating nationwide, employing 1.06 million people. Throughout 2023, these agencies provided services to 300 million workers and 55.99 million employers, with around 40 percent of these employers in the manufacturing sector. \"Human resource agencies have played a pivotal role in connecting employers with workers, significantly contributing to the labor market,\" Zhang remarked.
Youth employment remains a top priority for the ministry. Chen Yongjia, another official with the ministry, announced plans to introduce a youth job creation program in 2025, 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,\" Chen said, highlighting the government's dedication to supporting the next generation of the workforce.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
