China has created 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, marking a significant achievement in maintaining employment stability across the country, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.
The surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent, a slight decrease of 0.1 percentage points from the previous year, the ministry announced at a press conference on Tuesday.
\"The employment situation remained generally stable,\" said Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. \"We have made substantial progress in expanding employment opportunities and supporting those lifted from poverty.\"
By the end of 2024, over 33.05 million people who had been lifted out of poverty were employed, reflecting China's continued efforts to secure livelihoods and reduce inequality.
The number of social security card holders in China reached nearly 1.39 billion by the end of last year, including 1.07 billion digital social security card users. \"Social security cards are now an integral part of daily life for many,\" Lu noted. \"They are divided into physical and digital cards, and many people hold both types.\"
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 in various industries.
Looking ahead to 2025, the ministry announced a targeted employment support program aimed at key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. This initiative includes establishing a mechanism for collecting and releasing information on job positions related to major projects.
To further enhance the private pension system's appeal, the ministry will accelerate the research and formulation of relevant policies and measures.
By the end of 2023, 70,000 human resource service agencies were operating across the country, employing 1.06 million people, according to ministry official Zhang Wenmiao. 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, 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 ministry official Chen Yongjia. \"Throughout 2025, we will organize a series of activities to promote employment and entrepreneurship among young people.\"
With these initiatives, China aims to maintain a stable employment landscape while fostering growth and opportunity for its workforce, contributing to the nation's economic and social development.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
