China has achieved a significant milestone in its labor market by creating 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. The announcement was made on Tuesday, highlighting the country's efforts to maintain a stable employment situation amid global economic challenges.
\"The employment situation remained generally stable,\" said Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the Ministry, during a press conference. The surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent in 2024, a slight decrease of 0.1 percentage points compared to the previous year, indicating positive trends in the nation's job market.
Lu also noted that by the end of 2024, over 33.05 million individuals who had been lifted from poverty were employed, showcasing China's commitment to reducing poverty through job creation and economic development.
In addition to employment growth, the number of social security card holders reached nearly 1.39 billion by the end of the year, including 1.07 billion digital social security card users. Social security cards, which are available in both physical and digital formats, play a crucial role in providing residents with access to various social benefits.
The Ministry has strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessments, with over 12 million people obtaining vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates last year. This emphasis on skills development aims to enhance the workforce's capabilities and meet the demands of the evolving job market.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Ministry announced plans to implement a targeted employment support program focused on key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots areas, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. The initiative includes establishing a mechanism for collecting and releasing information on job positions related to major projects, aiming to bridge the gap between employers and job seekers.
The Ministry will also accelerate the research and formulation of policies to enhance the appeal of the private pension system, aiming to provide better retirement options for the population.
According to Zhang Wenmiao, an official with the Ministry, by the end of 2023, there were 70,000 human resource service agencies 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.
Youth employment remains a top priority for the Ministry. Chen Yongjia, another official, stated that in 2025, the Ministry will launch a youth job creation program, including measures to boost employment for college graduates. \"Throughout 2025, we will organize a series of activities to promote employment and entrepreneurship among young people,\" Chen said, addressing the challenges faced by new entrants to the job market.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
