China created 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. This achievement surpasses the government's annual target and reflects a stable employment situation across the country.
In 2024, the surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points from the previous year. \\"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, highlighting the government's efforts in poverty alleviation and job creation. Lu noted significant progress in providing employment opportunities for vulnerable populations.
The number of 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, which are available in both physical and digital formats, play a crucial role in accessing social services and benefits.
Lu added that the ministry has strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessments, with over 12 million individuals obtaining vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates last year. This initiative aims to enhance the skill sets of the workforce and meet the demands of a modern economy.
Looking ahead to 2025, the ministry announced the implementation of a targeted employment support program focusing on key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots areas, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. The program will establish a mechanism for collecting and releasing information on job positions related to major projects, facilitating better job matching and opportunities.
The ministry also plans to accelerate the research and formulation of relevant policies to further enhance the appeal of the private pension system, encouraging more individuals to participate and secure their retirement future.
By the end of 2023, there were 70,000 human resource service agencies operating across the country, employing 1.06 million people. According to Zhang Wenmiao, an official with the ministry, these agencies provided services to 300 million workers and 55.99 million employers throughout 2023, with approximately 40 percent of the employers in the manufacturing sector.
In an effort to address youth employment, the ministry announced plans to introduce a youth job creation program in 2025, including measures to boost employment for college graduates. \\"Youth employment, particularly for college graduates, remains a top priority for the ministry,\\" said Chen Yongjia, an official with the ministry. 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
