China celebrated a significant milestone in 2024 by creating 12.56 million new urban jobs, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. This achievement not only surpasses the government's annual target but also underscores the continued stability of the nation's employment landscape.
The surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent for the year, a slight decrease of 0.1 percentage points compared to the previous year. \"The employment situation remained generally stable,\" stated Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the Ministry, at a recent press conference.
One of the notable successes highlighted by the Ministry is the employment of over 33.05 million individuals who have been lifted from poverty. This significant figure reflects China's ongoing commitment to poverty alleviation and sustainable development.
The expansion of social security coverage also marked a substantial achievement. By the end of last year, nearly 1.39 billion people held social security cards, including 1.07 billion digital social security card users. Social security cards, which are available in both physical and digital formats, provide residents with access to various social services. Many individuals opt to hold both types of cards to maximize convenience.
Efforts to enhance vocational skills across the workforce have been intensified. The Ministry has strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessments, leading to over 12 million individuals obtaining vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates in 2024. This initiative aims to equip workers with the necessary skills to meet the evolving demands of the job market.
Looking ahead, the Ministry announced plans to implement a targeted employment support program in 2025. The program will focus on key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots areas, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. A mechanism will be established to collect and disseminate information on job positions related to major projects, facilitating better job matching between employers and job seekers.
In addition, the Ministry will accelerate research and formulate policies to enhance the appeal of the private pension system. This move is expected to strengthen the social security net and encourage greater participation in private pension schemes.
The human resource services sector has also seen considerable growth. By the end of 2023, approximately 70,000 human resource service agencies were 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 around 40 percent of these employers in the manufacturing sector.
Youth employment remains a top priority. The Ministry announced 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, is of utmost importance,\" emphasized ministry official Chen Yongjia. Throughout 2025, the Ministry will organize a series of activities to promote employment and entrepreneurship among young people, fostering a conducive environment for the next generation of professionals.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
