China has reported the addition of 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, reflecting a stable employment situation across the country, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.
The surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent in 2024, a slight decrease of 0.1 percentage points from the previous year, the ministry disclosed during a press conference on Tuesday.
\"The employment situation remained generally stable,\" stated Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. Lu highlighted that by the end of 2024, over 33.05 million individuals who had been lifted from poverty were now employed, underscoring the country's ongoing efforts to bolster economic opportunities for all citizens.
The number of social security card holders in China reached nearly 1.39 billion by the end of last year, with 1.07 billion of them utilizing digital social security cards, as reported by the ministry. Social security cards, both physical and digital, are crucial tools for accessing social services, and many residents hold both types.
In a bid to enhance workforce skills, 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, reflecting China's commitment to upskilling its labor force.
Looking ahead, the ministry announced plans to implement a targeted employment support program in 2025. This initiative will focus on key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots, as well as micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. A mechanism will be established for collecting and releasing information on job positions related to major projects, aiming to connect job seekers with emerging opportunities.
The ministry also intends to accelerate research and formulate policies to enhance the appeal of the private pension system, recognizing the importance of comprehensive social security for an aging population.
By the end of 2023, there were 70,000 human resource service agencies operating nationwide, employing 1.06 million people, according to ministry official Zhang Wenmiao. Throughout 2023, these agencies provided services to 300 million workers and 55.99 million employers, with approximately 40 percent of these employers belonging to the manufacturing sector.
In efforts to support youth employment, the ministry plans to introduce a youth job creation program this year, which will include measures to boost employment for college graduates. \"Youth employment, particularly for college graduates, remains a top priority for the ministry,\" said Chen Yongjia, another official from the ministry. Chen added that throughout 2025, the ministry 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
