China has successfully added 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, signaling a stable and robust employment situation, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, ministry spokesperson Lu Aihong stated that the surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent in 2024, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points from the previous year. \"The employment situation remained generally stable,\" Lu affirmed.
By the end of 2024, over 33.05 million people who had been lifted from poverty were gainfully employed. This significant achievement highlights China's ongoing efforts to improve livelihoods and reduce poverty through sustainable employment opportunities.
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, available in both physical and digital forms, are essential for accessing a range of social services. Many individuals hold both types, reflecting the country's push towards digitalization.
The ministry has also reinforced the standardized management of vocational competence assessments. In 2024, over 12 million individuals obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates, enhancing the skilled workforce in various industries.
Looking ahead to 2025, the ministry announced plans to implement a targeted employment support program. This initiative focuses on key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots areas, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. It aims to establish a mechanism for collecting and releasing information on job positions related to major projects.
Efforts will also be intensified to further enhance the private pension system's appeal through accelerated research and formulation of relevant policies and measures.
Highlighting the growth of human resource services, ministry official Zhang Wenmiao noted that by the end of 2023, there were 70,000 human resource service agencies operating nationwide, 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.
Youth employment remains a top priority. The ministry will introduce a youth job creation program in 2025, which includes measures to boost employment for college graduates. \"We will organize a series of activities to promote employment and entrepreneurship among young people,\" said Chen Yongjia, an official with the ministry.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
