China has announced the creation of 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, marking a significant milestone in the nation's employment landscape, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security reported on Tuesday.
The surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent in 2024, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points from the previous year, indicating a steady improvement in employment conditions.
\"The employment situation remained generally stable,\" said Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, during a press conference.
By the end of 2024, over 33.05 million individuals lifted from poverty had secured employment, reflecting the government's commitment to poverty alleviation through job creation.
Meanwhile, the number of 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 are issued in both physical and digital forms, with many people possessing both types.
The ministry has also strengthened standardized management of vocational competence assessments. Over 12 million individuals obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates last year, according to Lu.
Looking ahead, the ministry announced plans to implement a targeted employment support program in 2025. This initiative will focus on key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots areas, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. A mechanism for collecting and releasing information on job positions related to major projects will also be established.
Efforts will be accelerated to research and formulate policies to enhance the appeal of the private pension system, aiming to bolster social security for the aging population.
By the end of 2023, approximately 70,000 human resource service agencies were 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 about 40 percent of these employers in the manufacturing sector.
The ministry also plans to introduce a youth job creation program this year, including measures to boost employment among college graduates. \"Youth employment, particularly for college graduates, remains a top priority,\" said ministry official Chen Yongjia. \"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
