China has achieved a significant milestone by creating 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. The announcement was made on Tuesday, highlighting the country's efforts to maintain a stable employment situation.
In 2024, China's 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, during a press conference.
By the end of 2024, more than 33.05 million people who had been lifted from poverty found employment, demonstrating China's commitment to poverty alleviation and job creation.
The number of social security card holders in China reached nearly 1.39 billion by the end of last year, including 1.07 billion digital social security card users. Social security cards are available in both physical and digital forms, and many individuals hold both types.
Lu also noted that over 12 million individuals obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates last year, as the ministry strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessments.
Looking ahead, the ministry announced that in 2025, it will implement a targeted employment support program for key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots, and 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 research and formulation of policies and measures to enhance the appeal of the private pension system.
By the end of 2023, 70,000 human resource service agencies operated 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 employers in the manufacturing sector.
This year, the ministry plans to introduce a youth job creation program, including measures to boost employment for college graduates. Youth employment remains a top priority. \"Youth employment, particularly for college graduates, is a top priority for us,\" said ministry official Chen Yongjia. \"Throughout 2025, we 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
