China achieved a significant milestone in 2024 by creating 12.56 million new urban jobs, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. The ministry announced on Tuesday that the employment situation across the nation has remained generally stable.
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 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, marking a significant stride in China's poverty alleviation efforts. Lu highlighted the progress, emphasizing the government's commitment to improving living standards.
China's social security system also expanded, 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, which are available in both physical and digital forms, provide access to various social services, and many citizens hold both types.
Additionally, the ministry strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessments. Over 12 million individuals obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates last year, enhancing the skilled workforce in the country.
Looking ahead, the ministry announced plans for 2025, including implementing a targeted employment support program for key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots, as well as micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. The program 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, aiming to provide better retirement security for citizens.
In terms of human resource services, by the end of 2023, there were 70,000 human resource service agencies operating nationwide, 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, the ministry plans to 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. Chen Yongjia, an official with the ministry, stated 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
