China reported the creation of 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, showcasing a stable employment landscape despite global economic uncertainties. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security announced the figures on Tuesday, highlighting a slight reduction in the urban unemployment rate.
According to the ministry, 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,\" stated Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the ministry, during a press conference.
Employment efforts have also reached China’s rural areas. By the end of 2024, over 33.05 million individuals who had been lifted from poverty secured employment, contributing to the nation’s poverty alleviation initiatives.
In a significant stride towards digitalization, 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 and digital forms, with many people holding both types,\" Lu explained.
The ministry has emphasized the development of skilled labor, with over 12 million individuals obtaining vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates in 2024. This move aims to enhance workforce competence and meet the demands of a rapidly evolving job market.
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 includes establishing a mechanism for collecting and releasing information on job positions related to major projects.
Efforts are also underway to strengthen the private pension system. The ministry plans to accelerate research and formulate policies that enhance its appeal, offering more robust financial security for retirees.
Human resource services have expanded significantly, with 70,000 agencies operating across the country by the end of 2023, 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,\" reported Zhang Wenmiao, an official with the ministry.
Youth employment remains a top priority. The ministry outlined plans to introduce a youth job creation program in 2024, including measures to boost employment for college graduates. \"We will organize a series of activities throughout 2025 to promote employment and entrepreneurship among young people,\" said Chen Yongjia, another official with the ministry.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
