In a significant boost to its urban employment landscape, China has announced the creation of 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, as reported by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security on Tuesday.
The surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent in 2024, marking a slight decrease of 0.1 percentage points from the previous year, indicating a steady improvement in the labor market.
\"The employment situation remained generally stable,\" stated 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 people who had been lifted from poverty were employed, showcasing China's ongoing efforts to improve livelihoods and reduce poverty through job creation.
Additionally, China's 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 divided into physical and digital cards, with many individuals holding both types.
Lu highlighted that the ministry has strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessment, with over 12 million individuals obtaining vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates last year.
Looking ahead to 2025, the ministry announced plans to implement a targeted employment support program focusing on key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots, as well as micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. This includes establishing a mechanism for collecting and releasing information on job positions related to major projects.
The ministry will also accelerate research and formulate relevant policies to further enhance the private pension system's appeal, aiming to bolster long-term financial security for citizens.
By the end of 2023, 70,000 human resource service agencies were operating across the country, employing 1.06 million people. Throughout 2023, 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 Zhang Wenmiao, an official with the ministry.
The ministry stated that this year it would introduce a youth job creation program, 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.
These developments reflect China's commitment to maintaining employment stability and strengthening social security, contributing to the nation's economic growth and social development.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
