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 (MoHRSS). This accomplishment surpasses previous years and reflects the country's steady economic recovery and growth.
At a press conference on Tuesday, MoHRSS 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 effectiveness of the government's employment policies and economic strategies.
Employment Boost Among Formerly Impoverished Populations
By the end of 2024, over 33.05 million people who had been lifted from poverty secured employment, showcasing China's ongoing efforts to eradicate poverty and improve living standards. This development underscores the success of targeted policies aimed at integrating vulnerable groups into the workforce.
Expansion of Social Security Coverage
China's social security system also saw substantial growth, with nearly 1.39 billion social security card holders by the end of last year, including 1.07 billion digital social security card users. The widespread adoption of both physical and digital social security cards facilitates easier access to social services for the population, promoting social welfare and financial inclusion.
Advancements in Vocational Training and Certifications
The MoHRSS has strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessments. In 2024, over 12 million individuals obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates. This focus on skill development is part of a broader initiative to enhance the quality of the workforce and meet the evolving demands of the labor market.
Strategic Plans for Employment Support in 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, the ministry announced plans to implement a targeted employment support program focusing on key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots areas, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. The program aims to establish a mechanism for collecting and disseminating information on job positions related to major projects, thereby improving job matching efficiency and supporting economic growth.
Additionally, the ministry will accelerate research and formulate policies to enhance the appeal of the private pension system, aiming to strengthen social security and encourage long-term financial planning among citizens.
Growth in Human Resource Services
By the end of 2023, China had 70,000 human resource service agencies operating nationwide, employing 1.06 million people. According to ministry official Zhang Wenmiao, these agencies provided services to 300 million workers and 55.99 million employers throughout 2023, with approximately 40 percent of these employers in the manufacturing sector. This indicates a robust demand for human resource services and a dynamic labor market.
Focus on Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship
The ministry emphasized that youth employment, particularly for college graduates, remains a top priority. Plans are underway to introduce a youth job creation program in 2025, 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 ministry official Chen Yongjia. These initiatives aim to harness the potential of the youth demographic and foster innovation and economic vitality.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com