China has made significant strides in bolstering its urban employment landscape, adding 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, 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 employment situation remained generally stable,\" said Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the ministry, during a press conference on Tuesday.
Notably, by the end of 2024, more than 33.05 million individuals who had been lifted from poverty secured employment. This milestone underscores China's ongoing efforts to eradicate poverty and enhance the livelihoods of its citizens.
China's social security network also expanded, 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 both physical and digital, with many citizens holding both types.
The ministry has focused on enhancing vocational skills across the country. Over 12 million individuals obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates last year, following strengthened management of vocational competence assessments.
Looking ahead to 2025, the ministry announced plans to implement a targeted employment support program. This initiative aims to bolster key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. A mechanism will be established 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, reflecting China's commitment to social welfare and economic stability.
By the end of 2023, there were 70,000 human resource service agencies operating nationwide, 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 in the manufacturing sector.
The ministry highlighted plans to introduce a youth job creation program this year, including measures to boost employment for college graduates. Youth employment, particularly for college graduates, remains a top priority. Chen Yongjia, an official with the ministry, noted that throughout 2025, a series of activities will be organized to promote employment and entrepreneurship among young people.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
