China created 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. The announcement, made on Tuesday, highlights the country's continued efforts to stabilize employment amid global economic uncertainties.
In 2024, China's surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points from the previous year. \"The employment situation remained generally stable,\" said Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the ministry, during a press conference.
By the end of 2024, over 33.05 million people who had been lifted from poverty secured employment, reflecting China's commitment to poverty alleviation through job creation.
Expansion of Social Security Coverage
China's social security network also saw significant growth. The number of 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 available in both physical and digital formats, with many individuals utilizing both.
Boosting Vocational Skills and Private Pensions
Lu highlighted the ministry's efforts in enhancing vocational competence assessment. Over 12 million individuals obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates in 2024. This initiative aims to equip the workforce with the necessary skills to meet evolving industry demands.
Looking ahead to 2025, the ministry plans to implement a targeted employment support program focusing on key sectors, urban-rural grassroots areas, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. Part of this initiative includes establishing a mechanism for collecting and releasing information on job positions related to major projects.
The ministry will also accelerate research and formulate policies to further enhance the appeal of the private pension system, encouraging more citizens to participate.
Human Resource Services on the Rise
By the end of 2023, there were 70,000 human resource service agencies operating across the country, employing 1.06 million people, according to Zhang Wenmiao, an official with the ministry. 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.
Youth Employment Prioritized
The ministry announced plans to introduce a youth job creation program in 2025, aiming to boost employment for college graduates. Youth employment remains a top priority, said Chen Yongjia, an official with the ministry. Throughout 2025, the ministry will organize a series of activities to promote employment and entrepreneurship among young people.
\"We are committed to creating more opportunities and supporting the aspirations of our young workforce,\" Chen added.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
