China's employment landscape showed robust growth in 2024, with the nation adding 12.56 million new urban jobs, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MHRSS). The surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent, a slight decrease of 0.1 percentage points from the previous year, signaling a stable employment situation.
\"The employment situation remained generally stable,\" said Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the MHRSS, during a press conference on Tuesday. The ministry highlighted that by the end of 2024, over 33.05 million people who had been lifted from poverty were employed, underscoring China's ongoing efforts to eradicate poverty through job creation.
In a testament to the country's social welfare expansion, the number of social security card holders reached nearly 1.39 billion by the end of last year. This figure includes 1.07 billion digital social security card users, reflecting China's advancement in integrating technology with social services. \"Social security cards are divided into physical cards and digital cards. Many people hold both types,\" Lu explained.
The MHRSS has also placed significant emphasis on enhancing vocational skills among the workforce. Lu noted that over 12 million individuals obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates last year, strengthening the nation's skilled labor pool.
Looking ahead, the ministry announced plans to implement a targeted employment support program in 2025. This program aims to bolster key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots areas, as well as micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. A mechanism for collecting and releasing information on job positions related to major projects will also be established, improving transparency and access to employment opportunities.
In an effort to further enhance the private pension system's appeal, the ministry will accelerate research and formulation of relevant policies and measures. This initiative is expected to provide greater financial security for the aging population and encourage private investment in pension schemes.
Human resource service agencies continue to play a pivotal role in China's employment ecosystem. 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,\" said Zhang Wenmiao, an official with the MHRSS.
Youth employment remains a top priority for the ministry. In 2025, a youth job creation program will be introduced, including measures to boost employment for college graduates. \"We will organize a series of activities to promote employment and entrepreneurship among young people,\" said Chen Yongjia, an official with the ministry. These initiatives aim to harness the potential of young talent and support their integration into the workforce.
The combination of these efforts reflects China's commitment to fostering a stable and prosperous employment environment, providing opportunities for workers across various sectors, and driving economic growth in the coming years.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
