China has announced the creation of 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, marking a significant milestone in the nation's employment landscape. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security reported the figures on Tuesday, highlighting a stable employment situation across the country.
\"The employment situation remained generally stable,\" stated Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the Ministry, during a press conference. The surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent in 2024, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points from the previous year.
By the end of 2024, over 33.05 million people who had been lifted from poverty secured employment, reflecting China's ongoing efforts to alleviate poverty and promote inclusive growth.
The Ministry also noted a significant increase in social security card holders, reaching nearly 1.39 billion individuals by the end of last year, including 1.07 billion digital social security card users. Social security cards, available in both physical and digital formats, play a crucial role in accessing social services.
Furthermore, over 12 million individuals obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates in 2024, as the Ministry strengthened the management of vocational competence assessments. This move aims to enhance workforce skills and boost employment prospects.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Ministry announced plans to implement targeted employment support programs for key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. This initiative includes establishing mechanisms for collecting and releasing job information related to major projects.
The Ministry will also accelerate policies to enhance the appeal of the private pension system, aiming to provide better retirement options for the workforce.
In 2023, according to official Zhang Wenmiao, 70,000 human resource service agencies operated nationwide, employing 1.06 million people. These agencies provided services to 300 million workers and 55.99 million employers, with approximately 40 percent of employers in the manufacturing sector.
Youth employment remains a top priority. The Ministry plans to introduce a youth job creation program this year, focusing on boosting employment for college graduates. \"Throughout 2025, we will organize a series of activities to promote employment and entrepreneurship among young people,\" said official Chen Yongjia.
China's commitment to stabilizing employment and promoting economic growth continues to be a focal point of its policies, addressing challenges and creating opportunities for its vast workforce.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
