China Adds 12.56 Million New Urban Jobs in 2024, Employment Remains Stable
China has made significant strides in bolstering its employment landscape in 2024, creating 12.56 million new urban jobs, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. The ministry announced the impressive figures at a press conference on Tuesday, highlighting the nation's commitment to sustaining economic growth and social stability.
Declining Unemployment Rate
The surveyed urban unemployment rate dropped to 5.1 percent in 2024, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points from the previous year. Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the ministry, emphasized that \"the employment situation remained generally stable,\" reflecting the effectiveness of China's employment policies and economic resilience amid global uncertainties.
Employment Boost for Poverty Alleviation
By the end of 2024, over 33.05 million people who had been lifted out of poverty secured employment, showcasing China's ongoing efforts to consolidate poverty alleviation achievements and promote inclusive development.
Expansion of Social Security Coverage
The number of social security card holders reached nearly 1.39 billion by the end of last year, including 1.07 billion digital social security card users. This expansion demonstrates China's commitment to enhancing social welfare systems. \"Social security cards are divided into physical and digital types, and many people hold both,\" explained Lu.
Strengthening Vocational Skills
Lu also noted that the ministry strengthened the standardized management of vocational competence assessment in 2024, with over 12 million individuals obtaining vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates. This initiative aims to cultivate a highly skilled workforce to meet the demands of the evolving job market.
Upcoming Employment Support Programs in 2025
Looking ahead, the ministry announced plans to implement a targeted employment support program in 2025. The program will focus on key sectors, industries, urban-rural grassroots, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. It aims to establish a mechanism for collecting and releasing information on job positions related to major projects, thereby facilitating employment opportunities.
Enhancing Private Pension Systems
Efforts to further enhance the appeal of the private pension system are underway, with the ministry accelerating research and formulation of relevant policies and measures. This move is expected to bolster the nation's social security framework and provide more options for retirement planning.
Human Resource Service Agencies' Growth
By the end of 2023, over 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. This significant contribution underscores the vital role of human resource services in supporting China's labor market.
Focus on Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship
The ministry highlighted that youth employment, particularly for college graduates, remains a top priority. Plans are underway to introduce a youth job creation program this year, including measures to boost employment for college graduates. \"Throughout 2025, we will organize a series of activities to promote employment and entrepreneurship among young people,\" said ministry official Chen Yongjia. These initiatives aim to harness the potential of the youth and drive innovation and growth in the economy.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
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