In a significant boost to its labor market, China created 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. The ministry announced on Tuesday that the employment situation across the nation remained generally stable, with the surveyed urban unemployment rate standing at 5.1 percent, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points from the previous year.
\"The employment situation remained generally stable,\" said Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, at a press conference. By the end of 2024, over 33.05 million people who had been lifted from poverty secured employment, reflecting the government's ongoing commitment to poverty alleviation and job creation.
The ministry highlighted the widespread adoption of social security cards, a key component in accessing public services. 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 are divided into physical and digital forms, and many people hold both types,\" Lu explained.
Efforts to enhance workforce qualifications also saw progress. The ministry has strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessments, with over 12 million individuals obtaining vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates last year.
Looking ahead to 2025, the ministry plans to implement a targeted employment support program focusing on key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots, as well as 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 boosting employment opportunities.
In addition, the ministry will accelerate research and formulation of relevant policies to enhance the appeal of the private pension system, aiming to provide better retirement solutions for the aging population.
The human resource service industry has also seen substantial growth. By the end of 2023, 70,000 human resource service agencies were operating across the country, employing 1.06 million people. 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 the challenges of youth employment, the ministry announced plans to introduce a youth job creation program this year, including measures to boost employment opportunities 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, we will organize a series of activities to promote employment and entrepreneurship among young people.\"
These initiatives underscore China's commitment to maintaining a stable employment landscape and fostering opportunities for its workforce amid evolving economic conditions.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
