China created 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security announced on Tuesday, signaling a stable employment landscape in the world's second-largest economy.
The surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent in 2024, 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 of Human Resources and Social Security, during a press conference.
By the end of 2024, over 33.05 million people who had been lifted from poverty were employed, reflecting China's ongoing efforts to enhance livelihoods and reduce inequality.
Expansion of Social Security
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, the spokesperson noted. Social security cards are divided into physical and digital formats, with many individuals holding both types. This expansion underscores the country's commitment to improving social welfare and embracing digitalization.
Advancements in Vocational Training
Lu highlighted that over 12 million individuals obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates in 2024, as the ministry strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessment. This move aims to enhance the skill set of the workforce to meet the evolving demands of various industries.
Future Employment Support Initiatives
Looking ahead to 2025, the ministry announced plans to implement a targeted employment support program focusing on key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots, as well as micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. This initiative 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 intends to accelerate research and formulation of policies to enhance the appeal of the private pension system, aiming to bolster social security for the aging population.
Human Resource Services Growth
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. 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 indicates significant growth in human resource services, supporting both workers and employers across China.
Focus on Youth Employment
In response to the importance of youth employment, the ministry stated that it would introduce a youth job creation program this year, 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. He added that 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
