China created 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, marking a significant achievement in the nation's employment landscape. The ministry announced the figures on Tuesday, highlighting a stable employment situation throughout the year.
\"The employment situation remained generally stable,\" said Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, at a press conference. The surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent in 2024, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points from the previous year.
By the end of 2024, over 33.05 million people who had been lifted from poverty were employed, reflecting China's ongoing efforts to improve livelihoods and reduce poverty across the country.
The ministry also reported substantial growth in social security participation. Nearly 1.39 billion people held social security cards 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 forms, and many individuals possess both types.
In a move to enhance workforce skills, the ministry strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessment in 2024. Over 12 million individuals obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates last year, according to Lu.
Looking ahead to 2025, the ministry plans to implement a targeted employment support program focusing on key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots areas, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. This initiative aims to establish a mechanism for collecting and releasing information on job positions related to major projects.
Additionally, the ministry will accelerate research and formulation of policies to enhance the appeal of the private pension system, aiming to provide better retirement options for citizens.
According to Zhang Wenmiao, an official with the ministry, by the end of 2023, there were 70,000 human resource service agencies operating across the country, 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.
Addressing youth employment, particularly for college graduates, remains a top priority for the ministry. \"This year, we will introduce a youth job creation program, including measures to boost employment for college graduates,\" 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.
This comprehensive approach underscores China's commitment to bolstering employment opportunities and ensuring economic stability in the coming years.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
