China has successfully added 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, maintaining a stable employment landscape, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security announced on Tuesday.
The surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent for the year, a slight decrease of 0.1 percentage points from the previous year, indicating a positive trend in the nation's job market.
\"The employment situation remained generally stable,\" stated Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the Ministry, during a press conference. He highlighted that by the end of 2024, over 33.05 million people who had been lifted from poverty were employed, showcasing the government's efforts in poverty alleviation through employment.
Additionally, China's social security card holders reached nearly 1.39 billion by the end of the year, including 1.07 billion digital social security card users. \"Social security cards, both physical and digital, are vital tools for accessing public services and benefits,\" Lu added.
The Ministry has also strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessments. Over 12 million individuals obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates last year, enhancing the skilled workforce essential for economic growth.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Ministry announced plans to implement a targeted employment support program for key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. This includes establishing a mechanism for collecting and releasing information on job positions related to major projects.
Efforts will also be made to accelerate research and formulate relevant policies to further enhance the private pension system's appeal, aiming to provide better retirement security for the aging population.
By the end of 2023, there were 70,000 human resource service agencies operating across the country, employing 1.06 million people. These agencies provided services to 300 million workers and 55.99 million employers, with approximately 40 percent of these employers in the manufacturing sector, according to Zhang Wenmiao, an official with the Ministry.
This year, the Ministry plans to introduce a youth job creation program, including measures to boost employment for college graduates. \"Youth employment, particularly for college graduates, remains a top priority,\" said Chen Yongjia, an official with the Ministry. \"Throughout 2025, we will organize a series of activities to promote employment and entrepreneurship among young people.\"
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
