China witnessed robust employment growth in 2024, creating 12.56 million new urban jobs, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MOHRSS). The announcement was made on Tuesday, highlighting a stable employment landscape across the country.
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. \"The employment situation remained generally stable,\" stated Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the MOHRSS, during a press conference.
Remarkably, by the end of 2024, over 33.05 million individuals who had been lifted from poverty secured employment, reflecting the country's continued efforts in poverty alleviation and job creation.
China's social security system also expanded significantly, with nearly 1.39 billion social security card holders by the end of last year, including 1.07 billion digital social security card users. Social security cards, available in both physical and digital forms, are essential for accessing social services, and many citizens possess both types.
In addition, the ministry has enhanced the standardized management of vocational competence assessments. Over 12 million individuals obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates in 2024, bolstering the skilled workforce.
Looking ahead to 2025, the MOHRSS 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 will be established for collecting and disseminating information on job positions related to major projects.
The ministry also intends to accelerate the development of policies to enhance the appeal of the private pension system, recognizing the importance of retirement security in an aging society.
According to Zhang Wenmiao, an official with the MOHRSS, as of the end of 2023, there were over 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.
The ministry is also set to introduce a youth job creation program this year, focusing on boosting employment opportunities for college graduates. \"Youth employment, particularly for college graduates, remains a top priority for the ministry,\" emphasized Chen Yongjia, another official with the MOHRSS. 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
