China has reported the creation of 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, reflecting a stable employment situation amid ongoing economic development, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the ministry, announced that China\u2019s surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent in 2024, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points from the previous year. \"The employment situation remained generally stable,\" Lu stated.
By the end of 2024, over 33.05 million people who had been lifted from poverty were employed, demonstrating China\u2019s commitment to eradicating poverty and boosting employment opportunities.
Additionally, 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. Social security cards are divided into physical and digital forms, with many individuals holding both types.
Lu highlighted the ministry's efforts in strengthening the standardized management of vocational competence assessments. Over 12 million individuals obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates last year.
Looking ahead, the ministry announced plans to implement a targeted employment support program in 2025, focusing 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.
The ministry will also accelerate the research and formulation of policies to enhance the appeal of the private pension system.
By the end of 2023, 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 approximately 40 percent of these employers in the manufacturing sector.
Addressing youth employment, the ministry announced 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 for the ministry,\" 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\u2019s ongoing efforts to maintain a stable employment environment and foster economic growth through targeted support and policy development.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
