China has reported the creation of 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, marking a steady progression in the nation's employment landscape, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.
At a press conference on Tuesday, ministry spokesperson Lu Aihong announced that the surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent in 2024, a slight decrease of 0.1 percentage points from the previous year. \"The employment situation remained generally stable,\" Lu stated, highlighting the government's efforts to maintain economic stability amidst global uncertainties.
Significantly, by the end of 2024, over 33.05 million individuals who had been lifted from poverty secured employment, underscoring China's commitment to poverty alleviation and sustainable development.
The ministry also noted substantial growth in social security participation. Nearly 1.39 billion people held social security cards by the end of last year, including 1.07 billion digital social security card users. Social security cards are available in both physical and digital forms, with many individuals possessing both types.
Efforts to enhance vocational skills across the workforce were highlighted, with the ministry strengthening the standardized management of vocational competence assessments. Over 12 million individuals obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates in the past year, reflecting a focus on upskilling and professional development.
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 for collecting and releasing job information related to major projects will also be established to facilitate workforce placement.
The ministry is set to accelerate research and formulate policies to enhance the appeal of the private pension system, aiming to strengthen social security and retirement preparedness among the populace.
By the end of 2023, approximately 70,000 human resource service agencies were operating across the country, employing 1.06 million people. These agencies provided services to 300 million workers and 55.99 million employers throughout 2023, with around 40 percent of the employers in the manufacturing sector, according to ministry official Zhang Wenmiao.
Addressing youth employment, the ministry highlighted plans for a youth job creation program in 2025, including measures specifically designed to boost employment for college graduates. \"Youth employment, particularly for college graduates, remains a top priority for the ministry,\" stated official Chen Yongjia. He added that throughout 2025, the ministry will organize a series of activities to promote employment and entrepreneurship among young people.
