China has announced the creation of 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, signaling a stable employment landscape in the country. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security revealed the figures on Tuesday, highlighting a modest decrease in the surveyed urban unemployment rate.
According to the ministry, the unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent in 2024, a 0.1 percentage point drop from the previous year. \"The employment situation remained generally stable,\" said Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the ministry, during a press conference.
Remarkably, by the end of 2024, over 33.05 million people who had been lifted from poverty were employed, underscoring the nation's efforts in poverty alleviation and job creation.
China's social security system also saw significant growth, with nearly 1.39 billion social security card holders by the end of last year, including 1.07 billion digital social security card users, according to the ministry. Social security cards, available in both physical and digital forms, provide citizens access to social insurance benefits and other public services.
The ministry emphasized advancements in vocational competence assessment, noting that over 12 million individuals obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates in 2024. This initiative aims to enhance the skillsets of the workforce and bolster employment opportunities.
Looking ahead to 2025, the ministry announced plans to implement a targeted employment support program focusing on key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. The program will establish a mechanism for collecting and releasing information on job positions related to major projects, fostering greater transparency and accessibility for job seekers.
In an effort to strengthen social security, the ministry will also accelerate research and formulation of policies to enhance the appeal of the private pension system, catering to the country's aging population.
By the end of 2023, 70,000 human resource service agencies were operating nationwide, employing 1.06 million people, according to ministry official Zhang Wenmiao. These agencies provided services to 300 million workers and 55.99 million employers throughout 2023, with approximately 40 percent of employers in the manufacturing sector.
Addressing youth employment remains a top priority. The ministry announced a youth job creation program to be introduced this year, 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.
China's commitment to job creation and employment stability reflects its broader economic strategies and social development goals. With targeted programs and policy enhancements, the nation continues to focus on improving employment opportunities and enhancing the livelihood of its citizens.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
