China's employment landscape showcased significant growth in 2024, as the nation added 12.56 million new urban jobs, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. This achievement surpasses expectations and underscores the resilience of the Chinese economy amidst global uncertainties.
The surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent, a 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 on Tuesday.
Advancements in Social Security and Vocational Training
By the end of 2024, over 33.05 million people who had been lifted from poverty found employment, marking a significant stride in China's poverty alleviation efforts. Additionally, the number of social security card holders reached nearly 1.39 billion, including 1.07 billion digital social security card users. Social security cards, available in both physical and digital forms, play a crucial role in providing citizens with access to various social services.
The ministry also reported strengthening 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 and supporting economic development.
Future Initiatives for Employment and Social Welfare
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, facilitating better job matching and opportunities.
Efforts will also be made to enhance the private pension system's appeal through accelerated research and the formulation of relevant policies and measures. This move is expected to strengthen social welfare and provide greater security for the aging population.
Emphasis on Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship
Youth employment, particularly for college graduates, remains a top priority. The ministry announced the introduction of a youth job creation program this year, including measures to boost employment for college graduates. \"Throughout 2025, we will organize a series of activities to promote employment and entrepreneurship among young people,\" said Chen Yongjia, an official with the ministry.
By the end of 2023, 70,000 human resource service agencies were operating across the country, employing 1.06 million people. These agencies provided services to 300 million workers and 55.99 million employers, with approximately 40 percent of these employers in the manufacturing sector, according to official Zhang Wenmiao.
These efforts reflect China's commitment to fostering a robust labor market and supporting economic growth through enhanced employment opportunities and social welfare programs.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
