China maintained robust employment growth in 2024, adding 12.56 million new urban jobs, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. The surveyed urban unemployment rate decreased to 5.1 percent, a 0.1 percentage point drop from the previous year.
\"The employment situation remained generally stable,\" said Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the Ministry, during a press conference on Tuesday. Lu highlighted that by the end of 2024, over 33.05 million people who had been lifted from poverty were employed, underscoring the government's commitment to sustaining job growth and poverty alleviation.
Social security coverage has also expanded significantly. By the end of last year, nearly 1.39 billion people held social security cards, including 1.07 billion digital card users. Many individuals possess both physical and digital cards, reflecting China's push toward digitalization of public services.
The Ministry has emphasized vocational training, strengthening the standardized management of vocational competence assessments. Over 12 million individuals obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates in 2024, enhancing the skilled workforce necessary for economic development.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Ministry announced plans to implement a targeted employment support program for 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 vacancies related to major projects, facilitating employment opportunities.
Efforts are also underway to enhance the private pension system. The Ministry will accelerate research and formulation of relevant policies and measures to increase its appeal, aiming to strengthen social security and support for the aging population.
Human resource service agencies have played a crucial role in employment services. By the end of 2023, 70,000 such agencies were operating nationwide, 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,\" said Zhang Wenmiao, an official with the Ministry.
Youth employment, particularly for college graduates, remains a top priority. The Ministry announced that this year it will introduce a youth job creation program, including measures to boost employment for college graduates. \"Throughout 2025, the Ministry 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
