China's employment landscape remains robust as the country added 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. The ministry announced on Tuesday that the surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent, a slight decrease of 0.1 percentage points from the previous year.
\"The employment situation remained generally stable,\" said Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, during a press conference. The addition of new jobs reflects China's ongoing efforts to strengthen its economy and provide opportunities for its growing urban population.
Significantly, by the end of 2024, over 33.05 million people who had been lifted from poverty were employed, highlighting the nation's commitment to sustained poverty alleviation through job creation.
China's social security system also saw considerable growth, with nearly 1.39 billion social security card holders by the end of last year, including 1.07 billion digital social security card users. The dual formats of physical and digital cards enhance accessibility and convenience for the population, many of whom hold both types.
The ministry has strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessments, leading to over 12 million individuals obtaining vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates last year. This initiative underscores the emphasis on skill development to meet the demands of the evolving job market.
Looking ahead to 2025, the ministry announced plans to implement a targeted employment support program focused on key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. This program aims to establish a mechanism for collecting and releasing information on job positions related to major projects, thereby connecting job seekers with emerging opportunities.
Efforts will also be accelerated to develop policies that enhance the appeal of the private pension system, contributing to the long-term financial security of the workforce.
By the end of 2023, approximately 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 about 40 percent of employers in the manufacturing sector, indicating the sector's significant role in employment.
Youth employment remains a top priority for the ministry. This year, a youth job creation program will be introduced, including measures to boost employment for college graduates. \"Youth employment, particularly for college graduates, remains a top priority,\" said Chen Yongjia, an official with the ministry. \"Throughout 2025, we will organize a series of activities to promote employment and entrepreneurship among young people.\"
These initiatives reflect China's comprehensive approach to strengthening its labor market, supporting economic growth, and enhancing the livelihoods of its people.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
