China has successfully created 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. The announcement, made on Tuesday, underscores the nation's efforts to maintain a stable employment landscape amidst global economic challenges.
In 2024, China's surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points from the previous year, as reported by the ministry. \"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 who had been lifted from poverty were employed, reflecting the government's commitment to sustaining livelihoods and alleviating poverty. 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, available in both physical and digital formats, are essential for accessing various social services, with many citizens holding both types.
Highlighting the emphasis on vocational skills, Lu noted that the ministry has strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessments. Over 12 million individuals obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates last year, enhancing their employability in a competitive job market.
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 matching between employers and job seekers.
To further support the aging population, the ministry will accelerate the research and formulation of policies and measures to enhance the appeal of the private pension system, encouraging citizens to plan for their retirement.
According to Zhang Wenmiao, an official with the ministry, by the end of 2023, there were 70,000 human resource service agencies 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, underscoring the pivotal role of human resource services in supporting China's industrial base.
In response to the importance of youth employment, the ministry plans to introduce a youth job creation program this year, including measures to boost employment for college graduates. \"Youth employment, particularly for college graduates, remains a top priority for the ministry,\" said Chen Yongjia, an official with the ministry. \"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
