China has created 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. This significant achievement showcases the country's ongoing efforts to bolster employment and support economic growth.
The surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent last year, 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 on Tuesday.
By the end of 2024, over 33.05 million people who had been lifted from poverty were employed, highlighting China's commitment to sustaining poverty alleviation through job creation. The ministry emphasized the importance of supporting key sectors, industries, and grassroots urban-rural areas, as well as micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.
In terms of social security advancements, the number of social security card holders reached nearly 1.39 billion, including 1.07 billion digital social security card users by the end of last year. Social security cards are available in both physical and digital forms, with many individuals utilizing both types to access services and benefits.
Lu added that there has been a strengthening in the standardized management of vocational competence assessments, with over 12 million individuals obtaining vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates in 2024. This initiative aims to enhance the professional skills of the workforce and meet the evolving demands of the job market.
Looking ahead to 2025, the ministry announced the implementation of a targeted employment support program focused on key sectors and industries. This program will establish a mechanism for collecting and releasing information on job positions related to major projects, facilitating better employment opportunities.
Efforts will also be made to accelerate research and formulate relevant policies to further enhance the appeal of the private pension system. Strengthening the private pension system is part of a broader strategy to improve social security and encourage long-term financial planning among citizens.
By the end of 2023, there were 70,000 human resource service agencies 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, with approximately 40 percent of these employers in the manufacturing sector.
The ministry also announced plans to introduce a youth job creation program in 2025, which includes 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, a series of activities will be organized to promote employment and entrepreneurship among young people.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
