China has created 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, marking a stable employment situation across the country.
The surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points compared to the previous year, the ministry reported on Tuesday.
\"The employment situation remained generally stable,\" said Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the ministry, during a press conference.
By the end of 2024, employment had been secured for over 33.05 million people who had been lifted from poverty, Lu noted, highlighting the government's ongoing efforts to consolidate poverty alleviation achievements.
Social security coverage also expanded, with nearly 1.39 billion social security card holders nationwide by the end of last year. This includes 1.07 billion users of digital social security cards, reflecting a significant shift towards digitalization in public services.
\"Social security cards are divided into physical cards and digital cards, and many people hold both types,\" Lu explained.
The ministry has strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessment. Over 12 million individuals obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates last year, enhancing the skilled workforce.
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. The program aims to establish a mechanism for collecting and releasing information on job positions related to major projects.
Efforts will also be made to enhance the appeal of the private pension system, with accelerated research and formulation of relevant policies and measures.
By the end of 2023, there were 70,000 human resource service agencies operating across the country, employing 1.06 million people, according to ministry official Zhang Wenmiao. 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.
This year, the ministry plans to introduce a youth job creation program, 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, we 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
