China created 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. The ministry announced on Tuesday that the surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent, 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. Lu highlighted that by the end of 2024, over 33.05 million people who had been lifted from poverty were employed, marking a significant achievement in poverty alleviation efforts.
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 available in both physical and digital forms, with many individuals holding both types.
Lu also noted that the ministry has 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 across the nation.
Looking ahead to 2025, the ministry announced plans to implement a targeted employment support program focused on 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.
The ministry will accelerate research and formulation of policies to further enhance the appeal of the private pension system. This move aims to provide better retirement solutions and financial security for the aging population.
By the end of 2023, there were 70,000 human resource service agencies operating nationwide, employing 1.06 million people, according to Zhang Wenmiao, an official with the ministry. 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.
This year, the ministry announced the introduction of a youth job creation program, including measures to boost employment for college graduates. Youth employment, particularly for college graduates, remains a top priority. Chen Yongjia, another official with the ministry, stated that throughout 2025, the ministry 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
