China successfully created 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, signaling a stable employment situation across the nation, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.
\"The employment situation remained generally stable,\" stated Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the ministry, during a press conference 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, reflecting positive trends in the job market.
By the end of 2024, over 33.05 million people who had been lifted from poverty were gainfully employed, highlighting China's continued efforts in poverty alleviation and job creation.
The number of social security card holders reached nearly 1.39 billion, including 1.07 billion digital social security card users, as reported by the ministry. Social security cards are available in both physical and digital forms, with many residents possessing both types.
In a move to enhance workforce skills, the ministry strengthened the 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 to 2025, the ministry announced plans to implement a targeted employment support program for key sectors, industries, urban and 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 policies to enhance the appeal of the private pension system, aiming to further support the aging population.
According to ministry official Zhang Wenmiao, 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.
Youth employment, particularly for college graduates, remains a top priority. This year, the ministry will introduce a youth job creation program, 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.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
