China has made significant strides in bolstering its urban employment landscape, creating 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.
\"The employment situation remained generally stable,\" said Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the Ministry, during a press conference on Tuesday.
The surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent in 2024, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points from the previous year, indicating a positive trend in the nation's labor market.
By the end of 2024, over 33.05 million people who had been lifted from poverty were employed, showcasing China's continued efforts in poverty alleviation and social development.
Social security card holders reached nearly 1.39 billion by the end of last year, including 1.07 billion digital social security card users, Lu noted. These cards are vital in accessing social services and benefits, with many residents holding both physical and digital versions.
Lu added that the Ministry has strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessment, with over 12 million individuals obtaining vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates last year. This initiative aims to enhance the workforce's skill set to meet the demands of a modern economy.
Looking ahead, the Ministry announced that in 2025, a targeted employment support program for key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises will be implemented. This includes establishing a mechanism for collecting and releasing information on job positions related to major projects.
The Ministry will also accelerate research and formulation of policies to further enhance the private pension system's appeal, aiming to secure retirees' financial futures.
By the end of 2023, 70,000 human resource service agencies were 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 remains a top priority. The Ministry said that this year it would introduce a youth job creation program, including measures to boost employment for college graduates.
\"Throughout 2025, we will organize a series of activities to promote employment and entrepreneurship among young people,\" said Chen Yongjia, an official with the Ministry, emphasizing the government's commitment to supporting the next generation entering the workforce.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
