In 2024, China has demonstrated robust economic resilience by creating 12.56 million new urban jobs, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. This achievement underscores the country's stable employment situation amidst a dynamic global landscape.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the ministry, announced that China's 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,\" Lu remarked, highlighting the progress made in the labor market.
By the end of 2024, over 33.05 million individuals who had been lifted from poverty secured employment, signaling significant strides in poverty alleviation efforts. The ministry also reported that the number of social security card holders reached nearly 1.39 billion, including 1.07 billion digital social security card users.
\"Social security cards are divided into physical and digital formats, with many people holding both types,\" Lu explained. This widespread adoption reflects China's advancements in digital infrastructure and social welfare systems.
Moreover, the ministry has strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessment. Over 12 million individuals obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates last year, enhancing the skilled labor force.
Looking ahead to 2025, the ministry 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 aims to establish a mechanism for collecting and releasing information on job positions related to major projects.
The ministry will also accelerate the research and formulation of policies to further enhance the appeal of the private pension system, contributing to social security and economic stability.
By the end of 2023, 70,000 human resource service agencies were 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 these employers in the manufacturing sector.
To address youth employment, particularly for college graduates, the ministry announced plans to introduce a youth job creation program in the coming year. \"Youth employment remains a top priority,\" 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
