China achieved a significant milestone in 2024 by creating 12.56 million new urban jobs, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. This impressive figure surpasses the government's annual target and underscores the resilience of China's labor market amidst global economic uncertainties.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the Ministry, announced that the surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent in 2024, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points from the previous year. \\"The employment situation remained generally stable,\\" Lu stated, highlighting the effectiveness of China's employment policies and economic strategies.
Notably, by the end of 2024, over 33.05 million people who had been lifted from poverty secured employment, reflecting China's ongoing commitment to poverty alleviation and rural revitalization efforts.
The Ministry also reported that social security card holders reached nearly 1.39 billion by the end of last year, including 1.07 billion digital social security card users. Social security cards in China are divided into physical and digital forms, with many individuals holding both types. This expansion signifies China's progress towards digitalization and enhanced access to social services.
In terms of workforce development, Lu added that over 12 million individuals obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates in 2024. The Ministry has strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessments to promote high-quality talent cultivation.
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, thereby facilitating better job matching and opportunities for workers.
Furthermore, the Ministry intends to accelerate research and formulation of policies to enhance the appeal of the private pension system, addressing demographic challenges and ensuring long-term economic sustainability.
By the end of 2023, China had 70,000 human resource service agencies operating nationwide, employing 1.06 million people. According to Zhang Wenmiao, an official with the Ministry, these agencies provided services to 300 million workers and 55.99 million employers throughout 2023, with approximately 40 percent of employers in the manufacturing sector.
Recognizing the importance of youth employment, the Ministry plans to introduce a youth job creation program in 2025, including measures to boost employment for college graduates. \\"Youth employment, particularly for college graduates, remains a top priority,\\" said Chen Yongjia, an official with the Ministry. Throughout 2025, the Ministry will organize a series of activities to promote employment and entrepreneurship among young people.
China's proactive approaches to employment and social security signal its commitment to fostering economic growth and social stability. These initiatives are expected to provide substantial support to the labor market and contribute to the country's long-term development goals.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
