China's labor market showed robust growth in 2024, with the addition of 12.56 million new urban jobs, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. The ministry announced the figures on Tuesday, highlighting a stable employment situation across the country.
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,\" said Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the ministry, during a press conference.
A significant milestone was also achieved in poverty alleviation efforts, with over 33.05 million people who had been lifted from poverty now employed by the end of 2024. This progress underscores China's continued commitment to eradicating poverty and promoting inclusive growth.
Social security coverage expanded as well, with nearly 1.39 billion social security card holders by the end of last year, including 1.07 billion digital social security card users. Social security cards are available in both physical and digital formats, and many individuals hold both types.
In a bid to enhance workforce competencies, the ministry strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessments. Over 12 million individuals obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates last year.
Looking ahead to 2025, the ministry plans to implement a targeted employment support program focusing on key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots areas, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. This initiative aims to establish a mechanism for collecting and releasing information on job positions related to major projects.
Efforts will also be accelerated to research and formulate policies that enhance the appeal of the private pension system, aiming to provide better retirement security for citizens.
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 throughout 2023, with approximately 40 percent of these employers in the manufacturing sector, according to Zhang Wenmiao, an official with the ministry.
Youth employment remains a top priority for the ministry, particularly for college graduates. In 2025, the ministry will introduce a youth job creation program, including measures to boost employment and entrepreneurship among young people. \"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.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com