China created 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security announced on Tuesday, indicating a steady recovery in the nation's employment landscape.
The surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points from the previous year, according to the ministry. \"The employment situation remained generally stable,\" said Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the ministry, 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 commitment to poverty alleviation and job creation, Lu added.
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.
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, Lu noted.
Looking ahead, the ministry announced that in 2025, it will implement a targeted employment support program focusing on key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. This initiative aims to establish a mechanism for collecting and releasing information on job positions related to major projects.
The ministry will also accelerate research and formulate relevant policies and measures to enhance the appeal of the private pension system.
By the end of 2023, 70,000 human resource service agencies were operating across the country, 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 of these employers in the manufacturing sector.
This year, the ministry plans to introduce a youth job creation program, including measures to boost employment for college graduates. Youth employment, particularly for college graduates, remains a top priority, said ministry official Chen Yongjia. Throughout 2025, the ministry will organize a series of activities to promote employment and entrepreneurship among young people.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
