China created 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security announced on Tuesday. Despite global economic uncertainties, the country's employment situation remained generally stable, with the surveyed urban unemployment rate standing at 5.1 percent—0.1 percentage points lower than the previous year.
\"The employment situation remained generally stable,\" said Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, during a press conference. Lu highlighted that by the end of 2024, over 33.05 million people who had been lifted from poverty were employed, marking a significant achievement in China's poverty alleviation efforts.
In addition to job creation, China's social security coverage has expanded significantly. By the end of last year, nearly 1.39 billion people held social security cards, including 1.07 billion digital card users. \"Social security cards are divided into physical cards and digital cards. Many people hold both types,\" Lu explained.
The ministry has also strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessments. Over 12 million individuals obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates last year, enhancing the skilled workforce needed for the country's development.
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, fostering better employment opportunities.
The ministry is also set to accelerate research and formulate policies to enhance the appeal of the private pension system, aiming to provide better retirement security for China's aging population.
Furthermore, by the end of 2023, 70,000 human resource service agencies were operating across the country, 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.
Youth employment remains a top priority. The ministry announced plans to introduce a youth job creation program this year, including measures to boost employment for college graduates. \"Youth employment, particularly for college graduates, remains a top priority for the ministry,\" said ministry official Chen Yongjia. \"Throughout 2025, we will organize a series of activities to promote employment and entrepreneurship among young people.\"
These initiatives reflect China's ongoing commitment to maintaining stable employment and supporting economic growth amid global challenges.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
