China has achieved a significant milestone in 2024 by creating 12.56 million new urban jobs, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. This accomplishment exceeds the government's annual target and underscores the country's steady economic recovery.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Ministry spokesperson Lu Aihong announced that the surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent in 2024, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points from the previous year. \"The employment situation remained generally stable,\" Lu stated, highlighting the resilience of the job market amid ongoing global challenges.
Efforts to alleviate poverty have also seen substantial progress. By the end of 2024, over 33.05 million individuals who had been lifted from poverty secured employment, contributing to sustained economic growth and social stability.
The advancement of social security services further complements these employment achievements. 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 cards and digital cards, and many people hold both types,\" Lu explained, emphasizing the modernization of China's social welfare system.
In addition, 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, boosting the skilled workforce crucial for economic development.
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, enhancing transparency and accessibility for job seekers.
The ministry will also accelerate research and formulation of policies to enhance the appeal of the private pension system. This move is expected to encourage more participation, ensuring better financial security for the aging population.
Highlighting the role of human resource service agencies, official Zhang Wenmiao reported that by the end of 2023, there were 70,000 such agencies operating nationwide, 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.
Addressing youth employment, the ministry announced the introduction of a youth job creation program in the current year, including measures to boost employment for college graduates. \"Youth employment, particularly for college graduates, remains a top priority for the ministry,\" said official Chen Yongjia. \"Throughout 2025, we will organize a series of activities to promote employment and entrepreneurship among young people.\"
The ministry's comprehensive efforts reflect China's commitment to fostering a robust labor market and supporting economic growth. These initiatives are expected to provide new opportunities for various demographics, contributing to the overall prosperity of the nation.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
