China created 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, signaling a stable employment landscape, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.
The surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent in 2024, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points compared to the previous year, the ministry reported on Tuesday.
'The employment situation remained generally stable,' said Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the ministry, at a press conference.
By the end of 2024, over 33.05 million people who had been lifted from poverty were employed, reflecting China's ongoing efforts to combat poverty through job creation, Lu added.
China's social security card holders reached nearly 1.39 billion by the end of last year, including 1.07 billion digital social security card users, indicating a significant advancement in the country's social security system.
Social security cards are divided into physical and digital formats, with many individuals holding both types.
Lu noted that the ministry has strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessment. Over 12 million individuals obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates last year.
The ministry announced plans to implement a targeted employment support program in 2025, focusing on key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots, 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.
Additionally, the ministry will accelerate research and formulation of policies to enhance the appeal of the private pension system.
By the end of 2023, 70,000 human resource service agencies were operating across the country, employing 1.06 million people, according to official Zhang Wenmiao. Throughout 2023, these agencies provided services to 300 million workers and 55.99 million employers, with approximately 40 percent of the employers in the manufacturing sector.
The ministry emphasized its commitment to youth employment, particularly for college graduates. This year, a youth job creation program will be introduced, including measures to boost employment for college graduates.
Chen Yongjia, an official with the ministry, stated that throughout 2025, the ministry will organize a series of activities to promote employment and entrepreneurship among young people.
These comprehensive efforts reflect China's dedication to maintaining a stable employment environment and supporting various sectors of society through targeted programs and policy enhancements.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
