In a significant stride towards bolstering its economy, China announced the creation of 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, marking a stable employment landscape across the nation. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security revealed these figures on Tuesday, highlighting the government's commitment to sustaining growth and reducing unemployment.
According to the ministry, the surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent in 2024, a slight decrease of 0.1 percentage points from the previous year. \"The employment situation remained generally stable,\" stated Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the ministry, during a press conference. This stability reflects China's ongoing efforts to expand job opportunities and support its workforce.
Notably, by the end of 2024, over 33.05 million individuals who had been lifted from poverty secured employment, underscoring the success of poverty alleviation initiatives in translating into real economic opportunities. The expansion of employment among this group signifies a positive trend in bridging income disparities and promoting inclusive growth.
The reach of China's social security system also expanded, with nearly 1.39 billion social security card holders by the end of last year, including 1.07 billion digital card users. Many residents hold both physical and digital cards, enhancing access to social services and benefits. This development reflects the nation's push towards digitalization and improving public welfare systems.
Efforts to enhance vocational skills saw over 12 million individuals obtaining vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates in 2024. \"We have strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessment,\" Lu added, emphasizing the ministry's role in improving the quality of the workforce through education and certification.
Looking ahead, the ministry announced plans for 2025, including implementing a targeted employment support program focused 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, thereby facilitating better job matching and opportunities.
Further, the ministry will accelerate research and formulation of policies to enhance the appeal of the private pension system, recognizing the importance of private pensions in supporting the aging population and ensuring financial security for retirees.
By the end of 2023, China witnessed the operation of 70,000 human resource service agencies nationwide, employing 1.06 million people. These agencies provided services to 300 million workers and 55.99 million employers, with approximately 40 percent of the employers in the manufacturing sector, according to ministry official Zhang Wenmiao. This indicates a robust support system for both employees and employers within the country.
Addressing youth employment remains a top priority. The ministry plans to introduce a youth job creation program this year, with specific measures to boost employment among college graduates. \"Throughout 2025, we will organize a series of activities to promote employment and entrepreneurship among young people,\" said ministry official Chen Yongjia. These efforts aim to harness the potential of the younger generation and drive innovation and economic growth.
China's commitment to expanding employment opportunities and supporting its workforce reflects a strategic approach to fostering economic stability and growth. With comprehensive plans spanning from poverty alleviation to youth employment and private pension enhancements, the nation is positioning itself to navigate future challenges and sustain its development trajectory.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
