China created 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security on Tuesday. The surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points from the previous year, indicating a generally stable employment situation.
"The employment situation remained generally stable," said Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, during a press conference.
By the end of 2024, over 33.05 million people who had been lifted from poverty were employed, showcasing the country's efforts in poverty alleviation and employment expansion.
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. Social security cards are divided into physical and digital cards, with many people holding both types.
Lu added that the ministry has strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessment, with over 12 million individuals obtaining vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates last year.
Looking ahead to 2025, the ministry announced a targeted employment support program for key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots, as well as micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. This includes establishing a mechanism for collecting and releasing information on job positions related to major projects.
The ministry will also accelerate research and formulation of relevant policies and measures to further enhance the private pension system's appeal.
By the end of 2023, 70,000 human resource service agencies were operating across the country, employing 1.06 million people. 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, according to Zhang Wenmiao, an official with the ministry.
The ministry stated that this year it would introduce a youth job creation program, including measures to boost employment for college graduates. Youth employment, particularly for college graduates, remains a top priority for the ministry. "Throughout 2025, the ministry will organize a series of activities to promote employment and entrepreneurship among young people," said Chen Yongjia, another official with the ministry.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
